Advances in the Mechanism and Application of Nanoparticles in Concrete Property Modification

Nanoparticles leverage their unique nanoscale effects to optimize concrete performance through synergistic multi-mechanism interactions. Core mechanisms include micro-filling effects (graded pore filling, optimized pore structure), nucleation (promoting crystallization of hydration products, refining microstructure), chemical reactivity (e.g., pozzolanic reaction of nano-SiO2, enhancing interfacial transition zones), and interfacial strengthening (improving ITZ structure and stress transfer). Common nanomaterials (e.g., nano-SiO2, Al2O3, carbon nanotubes) significantly enhance concrete’s mechanical properties, durability, and functionalities (e.g., self-sensing, electromagnetic shielding). However, nano-modified concrete still faces challenges such as poor dispersion, high cost, and environmental/health risks. Future efforts should focus on multi-scale mechanism research, green low-cost synthesis processes, and intelligent composite systems development to advance the engineering applications pf nano-modified concrete.