Synthesis and characterisation of ZnO nanoparticles and its influence on the engineering properties of lightweight foamed concrete

Abstract

Incorporating zinc oxide nanoparticles (N-ZnO) is possible in lightweight foamed concrete (LWFC) construction. This paves the way for studies of the thermal, mechanical, pore structure, and other aspects of the LWFC that make use of the N-ZnO. For this purpose, six LWFC mixtures were formulated as cement additives ranging from 0 to 1% N-ZnO. Fresh state attributes included setting time, workability, plastic, and dry density. The transport parameters, specifically sorptivity, water absorption, and intrinsic permeability, were all analyzed. Compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, and dry shrinkage were among the mechanical parameters investigated. Thermal properties, pore organisation, SEM analysis, and dispersion were also studied. N-ZnO has been shown to minimise slump flow diameter, initial, and final setting times while increasing LWFC dry density in laboratory trials. By increasing N-ZnO to 0.6%, transport, mechanical, and pore characteristics were enhanced. After 28 days, the LWFC with 0.6% N-ZnO had 70% higher compressive strength, 82% higher flexural strength, and 84% higher splitting tensile strength than the control mix. In terms of SEM and pore dispersion, N-ZnO-based concrete was the superior pore filler, accounting for up to 0.6% more volume. All density, thermal conductivity, and diffusion conductivity improved for all N-ZnO-based specimens, especially at 0.6% N-ZnO.