Influence of micron and sub-micron particles on microstructure and strength of sustainable cement mortar

The present work concentrates on the influence of nano and micro SiO 2 particles in the cement mortar. The potential additives usage offers enhanced mechanical properties and better surface morphology. The study on the effect of nano SiO 2 and ZrO 2 particles in geopolymer mortar with fly ash is carried out. The detailed study on behavior of cement mortars for the different composition of nano + micro size SiO 2 particles and nano SiO 2 + nano ZrO 2 particles mixtures is highlighted. The behavior of each sample was determined by the water absorption, normal consistency(NC), compressive and tensile strength. The results shows that the micro and nano SiO 2 particles were successfully blended into the cement mortar with uniform distribution of the particles. They samples were also shown better mechanical properties for 3.0 wt percentage of micro and nano SiO 2 particles. The higher strength is achieved at the period of 28 days of curing. Further, the morphological study was carried out by SEM analysis, which reveals the homogeneous distribution of nano SiO 2 and ZrO 2 particles in the cement mortar. In both the cases the increase in the secondary particles in the cement mortar has shown increase in the compressive and tensile strength. The significant improvement in the compressive strength by 33.58% and tensile strength by 63.30% were reported for the 3.0% of ZrO 2 and SiO 2 nano particles. The increase in the strength is resulted by the pozzolanic and filling effect higher surface area of the nano particles. Hence, the outcome of this research helps for the future applications of nano and micro sized secondary particles in the cement-based composition for the next generation of the multi-functional construction materials.