Paper Title
Characteristics Of Nanoclay And Calcined Nanoclay-Cement Nanomatrices By The Combination Of QXDA And TGA Techniques
Abstract
Theinfluence of nanoclay (NC) and calcined nanoclay (CNC)on themechanical and thermal properties of cement
nano-matrices presented. Calcined nanoclay is prepared by heating nanoclay (Cloisite 30B) at 900° C for 2h. Estimation of
Ca(OH)2 content in the cement nanomatrixis studied by the combination of Quantitative X-ray Diffraction Analysis (QXDA)
and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) techniques.Results showed thatthe microstructure and compressive strengthof the
cement nanomatricesare improved as a result of NC and CNCaddition. An optimumreplacement of ordinary Portland cement
with 1 wt% CNCis observed through decreased the porosity and increased compressive strengthof cement
nanomatrices.Cost-benefit analysis indicatesthat nanoparticles are expensive but from economic point of view nanoclay is
used in very small amount (i.e. 1 wt. %) in cementitious materials. As a result nanoclay does not add any significant cost but
improves the mechanical properties significantly.
Index Terms: Nanoclay, Microstructure, Compressive strength, QXDA