Characteristics of Mortars Containing Colloidal Nano-Silica

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to investigate the influence partial replacement of cement with colloidal Nano-silica on the compressive strength of cement mortar. This paper reports the results of compressive strength test undertaken on 70.6 mm cube samples of the cement mortar prepared with three different water cement ratio along with varying percentage of Nano-silica. The compressive strength is determined after 7 and 28 days of curing, and water absorption after 28 days. The results of this experimental study reveal that the incorporation of Nano-silica enhances the early strength of cement mortar along with improvement of strength at 28 days. Moreover, the study reveals that water absorption of cement mortar reduces with addition of Nano-Silica due to reduction of minute pores present in cement mortar.