Microstructural analysis of self-compacting concrete modified with the addition of nanoparticles

Abstract

Microstructural analysis of self-compacting concrete modified with the addition of nanoparticles was carried out. Investigations included SCC concretes modified with different amounts of SiO2, TiO2 and Al2O3 nanoparticle additives and one reference concrete made without nanoparticles. Porosity, maximal pore dimensions, microstructure 3-D models, hardness and elastic modulus were determined. Based on the conducted studies, it can be concluded that the addition of nanoparticles improves the microstructure of self-compacting concrete. It is confirmed both by the results of porosity of the tested samples and by the results of hardness and elastic modulus of the cement matrix of investigated concretes.