Overview on evaluation of the mechanical, durability properties and microstructure of Nano-Silica assimilated cement composites (Nano-SAC)

The Cement composites (CC) are the ubiquitous material in the world because of nanostructured, multi-phase, composite material that ages over time. CC as a construction material is most heterogeneous and the advent of nanotechnology offers substantial advances in concrete. In this framework, the application of Nanotechnology has its prominence in the construction industry, due to the enhanced characteristics of CC. Several studies have attempted to incorporate a variety of nanomaterials in CC and investigated the enhancement of mechanical and durability properties. Most importantly, the use of Nano-Silica (NS) has high significance in enhancing the mechanical properties, making the composite a durable material due to high pozzolanic behaviour and influence on the microstructure of CC. Hence, this paper reviews the prior development and current findings of Nano-Silica (NS) incorporated CC. The effect of Nano-Silica on mechanical and durability properties of the cement composites by varying microstructural characteristics are discussed. Furthermore, due to compact microstructure and accelerated hydration, and impermeable microstructure and higher strength durability is enhanced. Finally, the paper also describes the limitation that the optimum dose of the Nano-silica varies with its size, type, and dose of admixture, water to binder ratio, which is still contradictory. Additionally, the incorporation of Nano-silica is a potential breakthrough in building materials for a specific application. This article shed light on optimum dose in cement composite for specific types and sizes of Nano-silica particles. © 2022