Project summary
Improving the properties of cement-based materials is crucial nowadays due to the continuous development of the construction industry. The recent introduction of additive manufacturing (3D printing), has set new challenges for materials design. Now the materials must be not only stronger and sustainable but also with well-defined rheometric properties, to allow them to be printed. The improvements can be accomplished by using various admixtures (fly ash, silica fume, nanoparticles) and additives (superplasticizers, accelerators, retarders, viscosity modifiers) to create new varieties of concrete or mortars. In our previous investigations, we have demonstrated that by using a combination of silica fume and organosilane it is possible to improve the compressive and flexural strength in a significant amount. In the present project, we will try to optimize the rheometric properties of cement-based nanocomposites. Thus, we will investigate the possibility to use the organosilane in combination with silica fume and clay to design a material with longer open time, better buildability, and higher flexural strength. Our preliminary investigations have shown that organosilane can be used both as a retarder and water reducer with a more efficient retarding effect as compared with commercial superplasticizers. Based on our preliminary results, in the present research, a new cement-based nanocomposite mortar will be proposed and laboratory tested as 3D printable material..
Improving the properties of cement-based materials is crucial nowadays due to the continuous development of the construction industry. The recent introduction of additive manufacturing (3D printing), has set new challenges for materials design. Now the materials must be not only stronger and sustainable but also with well-defined rheometric properties, to allow them to be printed. The improvements can be accomplished by using various admixtures (fly ash, silica fume, nanoparticles) and additives (superplasticizers, accelerators, retarders, viscosity modifiers) to create new varieties of concrete or mortars. In our previous investigations, we have demonstrated that by using a combination of silica fume and organosilane it is possible to improve the compressive and flexural strength in a significant amount. In the present project, we will try to optimize the rheometric properties of cement-based nanocomposites. Thus, we will investigate the possibility to use the organosilane in combination with silica fume and clay to design a material with longer open time, better buildability, and higher flexural strength. Our preliminary investigations have shown that organosilane can be used both as a retarder and water reducer with a more efficient retarding effect as compared with commercial superplasticizers. Based on our preliminary results, in the present research, a new cement-based nanocomposite mortar will be proposed and laboratory tested as 3D printable material..