STUDY OF ADDING NANOPARTICLES ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND WATER ABSORPTION OF CEMENT MORTAR

Abstract

Effect of ZnO nanoparticles on the mechanical properties and permeability of cement mortar was studied. The apparatus made by ELE Company; England was used for performing the mechanical tests. Compressive tests were carried out according to the ASTM C109 (6) and tensile tests were carried out according to the ASTM C190 (7). Flexural tests were carried out according to ASTM C348 (8). The microstructure of the specimens was studied by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) Hitachi S-4160. A Philips PW-1800 unit was used for XRD analysis. The test results show that when the cement is replaced with ZnO nanoparticles, improved strength and permeability of cement mortar. Studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the mechanism for this effect is applied. Studies show that ZnO nanoparticles fill voids amount and size of crystals Ca (OH) 2 has been compressed to reduce the hydration products.