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