Nanotechnology for calcium aluminate cement: thematic analysis

Abstract Calcium aluminate cement (CAC) is a multifaceted material recognized for its rapid strength development and improved durability; nonetheless, it encounters issues such as thermodynamical phase conversion. The thematic review examines 488 articles, highlighting 42 research on the CAC incorporated nanomaterials, specifically emphasizing nano-silica (NS), nano-alumina (NA), and graphene oxide (GO). The integration of nanomaterials markedly improves hydration kinetics. For instance, NS additions of up to 2 % improve heat evolution by 25 %, whilst 0.3 % GO increases flexural strength by 35 %. Nanoparticles optimize the micro- and nano-structural pore systems, decreasing average pore dimensions from 0.1–0.05 µm, and enhances mechanical properties, resulting in compressive strength enhancements of 20–30 %. The addition of NA at 0.5–1% stabilizes metastable hydrates (CAH 10 , C 2 AH 8 ), reducing strength loss due to conversion by as much as 25 %. Furthermore, GO and hybrid systems provide multifunctional characteristics, including self-sensing, self-healing, and photocatalytic activity, therefore converting CAC composites into advanced materials for structural health monitoring and environmental applications. Issues persist in nanoparticle dispersion, agglomeration, long-term durability under adverse circumstances, and environmental safety. Future research direction encompass the investigation of hybrid nanomaterial systems, 3D cement printing, optimization of doses, assessment of lifetime implications, and up-scaling of manufacturing for industrial applications.