Using the Surface Energy of Nanoparticles to Produce High-Strength Concrete

Abstract

The article considers a method for activating cement hardening processes using nanomaterials due to the magnitude of their surface energy: when injected into concrete, nanoparticles dump it as they tend to transition to a stable state. Such activity leads to a significant gain in strength and hardness, resulting in high-strength concrete. It is shown that such an effect can be achieved by surface impregnation of concrete with sols (colloidal solutions) based on SiO₂ nanoparticles. It is feasible to start impregnation from day three of hardening under normal conditions. At this time, the main heat generated as a result of cement’s intrinsic exothermic hardening reaction has already been released into the ambient, and the introduction of additional energy will not cause a shift in equilibrium towards slowing down the hardening processes in accordance with the Le Chatelier’s principle. The article also presents the results of physicochemical studies of concrete after hardening to clarify this effect.