PERFORMANCE COMPARISON OF HYDRATION, MICROSTRUCTURE,

STRENGTH AND DURABILITY OF ORDINARY AND GEOPOLYMER CONCRETE

INCORPORATED WITH NANO-CLAY COMPOSITES

In recent years, nanotechnology has gained attention in ceramic and polymer research,
particularly in forming nano-composites which have superior physical and mechanical properties
In geopolymers, various types of nanoparticles have been incorporated successfully to improve
their mechanical properties. Alumina and silica nanoparticles have been used successfully as
reinforcements for geopolymer pastes, giving them superior mechanical properties. Nano-
alumina and nano-silica not only acted as fillers, but also enhanced the geopolymerization
reaction.

The current study will examine the effect of adding different loadings of nano-clay to the
ordinary and geopolymer paste. The expected outcome of the proposed research work is the
improved mechanical and thermal properties of geopolymer because of addition of nano-clay.
Flexural and compressive tests will be performed to measure the various mechanical properties.
And thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) will be used to examine the thermal behavior of
geopolymer containing nano-clay. In addition, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared
spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques will be used to
characterize the phase composition and microstructure of geopolymer-nano-clay composites. The
effect of partial replacement of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) with nano-clay (NC) on the
performance of physico-chemical, mechanical, hydration characteristics of composite cement
pastes containing ordinary concrete and geo-polymer concrete will be studied. Initial and final
setting times, compressive strength, bulk density, chemically combined water content and
gel/space ratio of composite cement pastes will be found on using NC up to 6 to 8 mass%.

NC may activate the hydration reaction of OPC and GBFS. SEM micrograph of different
mixes in the presence of micro- and nano-crystalline CSH gel with dense interlocking close
linkage structure composed mainly of larger crystalline hydrates will be ascertained. It is also
planned to conduct the pre-sent experimental study and measured the fracture toughness, fracture
energy, mid-span deflection (), crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) and crack tip
opening displacement (CTOD) of the notched beam specimens of concrete composite containing
nano-composite particles to analyse the effect of nano- particles on fracture properties of
concrete composite. Effect of addition of nano clay on corrosion resistance, permeability of
water and chloride and shrinkage characteristics of nano-clay incorporated concrete composite
will also be studied.

Keywords

Nano-clay, Phase composition, Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, Corrosion, Permeability