Influence of Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles on the compressive strength and workability of blended concrete

Abstract

The compressive strength and workability of concret e by partial replacement of cement with nano-phase Al 2O3 particles. Al 2O3 nanoparticles with the average diameter of 15 nm were used with f our different contents of 0.5%, 0.1%, 1.5% and 2.0% by weight. The results showed that the use of nano-Al 2O3 particles up to maximum replacement level of 2.0% produces concrete with improved strength. However, the ultimate strength of concrete was gained at 1.0 wt% of cement replacement. The workability of fresh concrete was decreased by increa sing the content of Al 2O3 nanoparticles. It is concluded that partial replac ement of cement with nanophase Al 2O3 particles improves the compressive strength of concrete but d ecreases its workability. (Journal of American Scie nce 2010;6(5):6-9). (ISSN: 1545-1003).