Cement-matrix structural nanocomposites

This paper reviews cement-matrix structural nanocomposites, including those with particulate and fibrous reinforcements. Silica fume is valuable for improving numerous mechanical properties, in addition to enhancing the freeze-thaw durability, the vibration damping capacity, the abrasion resistance, the bond strength with steel rebars, the chemical attack resistance and the corrosion resistance of steel rebars. Furthermore, silica fume decreases the alkali-silica reactivity, the drying shrinkage, permeability, creep rate and thermal expansion. On the other hand, carbon nanofiber is not attractive, as it fails to compete with conventional discontinuous carbon fiber as a reinforcement.