INVESTIGATIONS ON THE EFFECT OF NANOSILICA ON THE

PERFORMANCE OF CEMENT

S. Harsh, A. K. Arora, M M Ali and M Vasudeva

National Council for Cement and Building Materials, New Delhi

ABSTRACT

The paper presents the results from ongoing investigations at National Council for Cement
and Building Materials on the effect of nanosilica on the performance of cements. The addition of
nanosilica is reported to result in improvements in both compressive and flexural strengths of
cement mortar. Nanosilica of average particle size of 15nm was blended with two samples of
ordinary Portland cement. The nanosilica addition was varied in the range of 2-5 percent, replacing
equal mass of ‘control OPC’. The resultant blends were investigated for their physical properties.
For comparison purpose blends of 5 and 10 percent microsilica with ‘control OPC’ samples were
also prepared and evaluated along with above nanosilica-blends and the ‘control OPC’ samples.
Nanosilica addition resulted in large increase in Blaine’s surface area of cement. The normal
consistency of these blends was also higher. For samples containing 2-3 percent nanosilica, the
increase in normal consistency (NC) was in the range of 7.14-15.33 percent of the NC of the
control OPC. For samples containing 5 percent nanosilica, the increase in NC was much higher, in
the range of 36.67-42.86 percent. The change in NC of samples containing microsilica was in the
range of (-) 3.57-11.33 percent of the NC of control OPC. Samples containing nanosilica exhibited
shorter setting times. The shortening of setting times is considered an indication of acceleration of
rate of initial hydration reaction. The flexural strengths of all the OPC-1 blends containing
nanosilica were higher compared to the control OPC-1. Higher contents of nanosilica, in general,
led to higher flexural strengths. The increase in flexural strength over the period of 1 to 28 days,
obtained with 2, 3 and 5 percent nanosilica was in the range of 6.25 -26.09, 12.5 -30.43 and 7.81 –
115 percent, respectively. The increase in flexural strengths over the period of 1 to 7 days was
significantly higher compared to the increase obtained at 28 days. The flexural strengths of OPC-2
blends containing 2 and 3 percent nanosilica were generally same as that of control OPC-2. The
flexural strengths of OPC-2 blends containing 5 percent nanosilica and 5 & 10 percent microsilica
were generally lower than that of control OPC-2. The 28 day flexural strengths of all the blends
were nearly same. OPC-2 had significantly higher alumina and lower silica content compared to
OPC-1. The lime saturation factor and alumina modulus of OPC-1 and OPC-2 were 85.64 & 94.51
and 2.86 & 2.02 respectively. No clear trends in the compressive strengths of the blends, at same
w/c ratio of 0.5, were observed with either OPC-1 or OPC-2. The OPC-1 blend containing 5
percent nanosilica had significantly higher strengths at the early ages of 1 and 3 days, the increase
being 53.42 and 25.86 percent, respectively. For OPC-2 blend containing 5 percent nanosilica the
strength increase was observed only at the age of 1 day, the increase being 24.24 percent. Any
positive effects of nanosilica/ microsilica on compressive strengths of mortars of same consistency
were apparently overshadowed by the higher w/c ratios used for achieving same consistency. As a
result the compressive strengths of blends were generally lower than or comparable to compressive
strengths of control OPC samples.
1. INTRODUCTION

Investigations on elucidation of nanostructure and nano-modification of cement/ concrete,

have been reported in recent scientific literature. A better understanding and ability to manipulate
the nanostructure is considered important for achieving further improvement in the performance
and durability characteristics of cementitious systems and achieve sustainable development. The
performance of cements depends on nanoscale structure and properties of cement hydration
products. Possible approaches for modifying the nanostructure of cementitious materials include
incorporation of nano-sized particles of silica in cementitious matrix and is expected to improve the
properties, such as packing density and early hydration rate, of cement mortar and concrete (1,2).
The various factors contributing to the beneficial action of nano-particles on the microstructure and
performance of cement-based materials include: filling of the voids between cement grains by
nanoparticles; well-dispersed nano-particles acting as centers of crystallization of cement hydrates
and thus accelerating the hydration; nano-particles favoring the formation of small-sized crystals
(such as Ca(OH)2 and AFm) and small-sized uniform clusters of C-S-H and nano-SiO2 participating
in the pozzolanic reactions resulting in the consumption of Ca(OH)2 and formation of extra C-S-H
(3). Use of nanoscale pozzolans in cementitious formulations has been reported to result in not only
higher early strength but also considerably higher final strength (4).

The compressive strength of cement mortars with nano-SiO2 and microsilica at various
water/ cementitious material ratios have been reported (5). The compressive strengths of mortars
with nano-SiO2 particles were found to be higher than those of mortars containing silica fume at 7
and 28 days. Thus the nano-particles were found more effective in enhancing strength than silica
fume. The results further indicated that nano-scale SiO2 behaved not only as a filler to improve
microstructure, but also as an activator to promote pozzolanic reaction. The compressive and
flexural strengths at 28 days, of the cement mortars containing nano-particles of SiO2 or Fe2O3,
have been reported to be higher compared to those of a plain cement mortar with the same water–
binder ratio (6). The SEM study of the microstructures of the cement mortar mixed with the nano-
particles and the plain cement mortar showed that the nano-Fe2O3 and nano-SiO2 filled up the pores
and reduced Ca(OH)2 (7). Evaluation of the properties of high-volume fly ash high-strength
concrete incorporating nano-SiO2 (SHFAC) has been reported (8). The results were compared with
those of control Portland cement concrete (PCC) and of high-volume fly ash high-strength concrete
(HFAC). Significant strength increases of SHFAC compared to the high-volume fly ash high-
strength (HFAC) were observed as early as after 3 days curing, and improvements in the pore size
distribution of SHFAC were also observed. In most of the above mentioned investigations,
improvements in the properties of mortar/ concrete have been reported. In the present paper we
report the results of our investigations on the effects of nanosilica powder dry blended with OPC,
on the performance of OPC.

2. EXPERIMENTAL

2.1 Materials

Two samples of 43 Grade ordinary Portland cement (OPC), meeting the requirements of IS
8112:1989 (Indian Standard: Specification for 43 Grade Ordinary Portland cement) were procured
from local market. Sample of nanosilica, having average particle size of 15 nm, was procured from
M/s. MKnano (Division of M K Impex), Canada. The sample of microsilica was obtained from
M/s. Elkem India (Pvt.) Ltd. The average particle size of microsilica was 295 nm.
2.2 Preparation of Blends of OPC and Nano/ Microsilica

Blends of OPC with 2, 3 & 5 percent nanosilica and 5 & 10 percent microsilica were
prepared by substituting equal mass of OPC with nano/ microsilica. The blending operation was
carried out in a batch type laboratory ball mill using 15-20 balls of 25-30 mm diameter and running
the mill for a period of 30 minutes. Prior to feeding to ball mill, the nano/ microsilica was added to
0.5 kg of cement in a plastic container of 2 kg capacity and shaken vigorously for 10 minutes. This
mixture along with the balance cement was blended in the ball mill. The size of each batch for ball
mill blending was 6 kg.

2.2 Evaluation of Blends of OPC and Nano/ Microsilica

The blends containing nanosilica / microsilica as well as control OPC samples (OPC 1 and
OPC 2) were evaluated for their Blaine’s fineness, normal consistency, specific gravity, setting
time, flexural strength, and compressive strength as per the procedures specified in IS: 4031 - 1988
(Indian Standard: Methods of physical tests for hydraulic cement). The normal consistency was
determined using a Vicat apparatus where the needle had been replaced with a plunger. The flexural
strengths were determined using 1: 3 cement-sand mortar prisms of 40 x 40 x 160 mm. The mortars
were prepared at a w/c ratio of 0.50 in a mechanical paddle type mixer following the procedure
specified in IS 4031(part 8) – 1988 (Indian Standard: Determination of transverse and compressive
strength of plastic mortar using prism). The two halves of the prism obtained after the flexural
strength testing were used for the determination of compressive strength. The compressive
strengths of mortars of same consistency were determined on 70.6 mm cubes prepared using 1:3
cement sand mortars and computed water content following the procedure specified in IS 4031(part
6) – 1988 (Indian Standard: Determination of compressive strength of hydraulic cement other than
masonry cement).

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

3.1 Materials

The chemical analyses of OPC, nanosilica and microsilica samples are given in Table 1.
OPC-2 had significantly higher alumina and lower silica content compared to OPC-1. The lime
saturation factor and alumina modulus of OPC-1 and OPC-2 were 85.64 & 94.51 and 2.86 & 2.02
respectively. The silica content of nanosilica and microsilica was 98.57 and 88.59 percent,
respectively.

Table 1 Chemical composition of OPC, nanosilica and microsilica samples

Sl. Sample LOI CaO SiO2 Al2O3 Fe2O3 MgO SO3 Na2O K 2O
No. Code
1 OPC-1 3.14 61.05 22.16 4.29 3.45 2.57 2.26 0.17 0.55
2 OPC-2 1.86 61.86 19.23 6.03 3.47 2.39 2.86 0.55 0.99

3 NS-1 - - 98.57 - - - - - -
4 MS-1 - - 88.59 - - - - - -
 Table 2 Composition and physical properties of blends prepared with
OPC 1 and nano/ microsilica

Code No. Composition Physical Properties

OPC-1 Nano- Micro- Blaine’s, Normal Specific Initial Final

silica silica m2/Kg Consistency, Gravity Setting Setting
% % % Time Time
(Mts.) (Mts.)
OPC-1 100 0 0 327.0 28.0 3.15 167 302

OPC-1A 98 2 0 542.0 30.0 3.09 74 224

OPC-1B 97 3 0 564.6 31.0 3.08 55 150

OPC-1C 95 5 0 867.5 40.0 3.0 15 50

OPC-1D 95 0 5 399.5 27.0 3.10 200 240

OPC-1E 90 0 10 463.7 30.0 3.0 210 275

Table 3 Composition and physical properties of blends prepared with

OPC 2 and nano/ microsilica

Code No Composition Physical Properties

OPC-2 Nano- Micro- Blaine’s, Normal Specific Initial Final

2
silica silica m /Kg Consistency, Gravity Setting Setting
% % % Time Time
(Mts.) (Mts.)
OPC-2 100 0 0 268.2 30.0 3.14 170 275

OPC-2A 98 2 0 476.5 33.0 3.11 165 270

OPC-2B 97 3 0 540.2 34.6 3.10 140 260

OPC-2C 95 5 0 839.0 41.0 3.05 115 190

OPC-2D 95 0 5 322.0 32.4 3.05 150 240

OPC-2E 90 0 10 470.0 33.4 3.05 140 230

3.2 Composition, fineness, specific gravity, normal consistency and setting time of cement
blends

The composition, fineness, specific gravity, normal consistency and setting time of cement
blends prepared using OPC 1 and OPC 2 are given in Table 2 and Table 3 respectively. Increasing
content of nanosilica / microsilica resulted in higher values of Blaine’s fineness and lower values of
specific gravity. In blends OPC 1A and OPC 2A, having 2 percent nanosilica replacing cement, the
Blaine’s fineness increased from 327 to 542 m2/Kg and from 268.2 to 476.5 m2/Kg, respectively. At
five percent replacement of cement by nanosilica, the Blaine’s fineness of OPC 1C and OPC 2C
was 867.5 and 839.0 m2/Kg, respectively. The increase in fineness affected by microsilica was
much lower than those obtained with nanosilica.

The normal consistency (NC) of blends containing 2-3 percent nanosilica was increased
from 28 percent to 30 & 31 percent for OPC 1 blends and from 30 percent to 33 & 34.6 percent for
OPC 2 blends. The percentage increase in NC of blends containing 2-3 percent nanosilica was in
the range of 7.14-15.33 percent of the NC of the control OPC. For samples containing 5 percent
nanosilica, the increase in NC was much higher, in the range of 36.67-42.86 percent. The change in
NC of samples containing microsilica was in the range of (-)3.57-11.33 percent of the NC of
control OPC. Samples containing nanosilica exhibited shorter setting times, though the extent by
which the setting times were shortened were different for the two OPC samples. For ‘OPC 1 –
nanosilica’ blends the initial and final setting times were in the range of 15-74 and 50-224 minutes,
respectively, compared to 167 and 302 minutes for control sample, OPC-1. The percentage
decrease in initial and final setting times of ‘OPC 1 – nanosilica’ blends were in the range of 55.69-
91.02 percent and 25.83-83.44 percent, respectively, compared to the initial and final setting times
of control OPC. For ‘OPC 2 – nanosilica’ blends the initial and final setting times were shortened
by 2.99-32.93 percent and 1.82-30.91 percent, respectively. The shortening of setting times is
considered an indication of acceleration of early stage hydration reaction. Samples containing
microsilica also showed shortened final setting times, the shortening being in the range of 8.94-
20.53 percent of the final setting time of control OPC. However, the initial setting times of ‘OPC 1
– microsilica’ blends were increased by 20-25 percent of the initial setting time of OPC-1.

3.3 Flexural strength of cement blends

The flexural strengths of all the OPC-1 blends containing nanosilica were higher compared to the
control OPC-1 (Table 4). Higher contents of nanosilica, in general, led to higher flexural strengths.
The increase in flexural strength over the period of 1 to 28 days, obtained with 2, 3 and 5 percent
nanosilica was in the range of 6.25 -26.09, 12.5 -30.43 and 7.81 – 115 percent. The increase in
flexural strengths over the period of 1 to 7 days was significantly higher compared to the increase
obtained at 28 days. The flexural strengths of OPC-1 blends with microsilica were both higher as
well as lower and did not show any clear trends when compared with the flexural strengths of
control OPC-1. The relative flexural strengths of OPC-1 blends are shown in Figure 1A. At 28 days
all the blends had nearly same strengths. At early ages nanosilica blends showed significantly
higher strengths.

The flexural strengths of OPC-2 blends with nano/ microsilica are given in Table 5. The
flexural strengths of blends containing 2 and 3 percent nano/ microsilica were generally same as
that of control OPC-2. The flexural strengths of blends containing 5 percent nanosilica and 5 & 10
percent microsilica were generally lower than that of control OPC (Figure 1B). The 28 day
strengths of all the blends were nearly same.
Table 4 Flexural and compressive strengths of OPC-1 and nano/ microsilica blends
at w/c ratio of 0.50

Code Flexural Strength, MPa Compressive strength , MPa

No.
1D 3D 7D 28 D 1D 3D 7D 28 D
OPC-1 0.80 3.30 4.60 6.40 3.80 11.60 15.40 18.50
0.90 3.90 5.80 6.80 3.50 13.20 16.00 17.60
OPC-1A
(12.5) (18.18) (26.09) (6.25) (-7.89) (13.79) (3.90) (-4.86)
1.03 4.30 6.00 7.20 4.90 10.50 13.60 24.90
OPC-1B
(28.75) (30.30) (30.43) (12.50) (28.95) (-9.48) (-11.69) (34.59)
1.72 5.50 6.70 6.90 5.83 14.60 16.80 19.60
OPC-1C
(115) (66.67) (45.65) (7.81) (53.42) (25.86) (9.09) (5.95)
0.52 3.50 5.50 6.40 4.00 10.50 14.50 17.00
OPC-1D
(-35.0) (6.06) (19.57) (0) (5.26) (-9.48) (-5.84) (-8.11)
0.64 2.79 4.26 6.81 2.28 7.37 11.30 17.50
OPC-1E
(-20) (-15.45) -7.39) (6.41) (-40) (-36.47) (-26.62) (-5.41)

Note : Values within brackets are the percentage increase/ decrease over OPC -1

Table 5 Flexural and compressive strengths of OPC-2 and nano/ microsilica blends
at w/c ratio of 0.50

Flexural Strength, MPa Compressive strength , MPa

Code
No.
1D 3D 7D 28 D 1D 3D 7D 28 D
OPC-2 4.29 6.58 7.73 8.48 13.2 18.9 21.2 25.8
4.29 6.19 7.58 8.58 11.0 13.9 18.3 22.8
OPC-2A
(0) (-5.93) (-1.94) (1.18) (-16.67) (-26.46) (-13.68) (-11.63)
4.29 6.67 7.85 8.59 11.9 16.5 19.7 23.8
OPC-2B
(0) (1.37) (1.55) (1.30) (-9.85) (-12.70) (-7.08) (-7.75)
4.79 5.90 6.62 8.05 16.4 18.7 21.4 25.7
OPC-2C
(11.66) (-10.33) (-14.36) (-5.07) (24.24) (-1.06) (0.94) (-0.39)
3.86 4.95 5.69 7.44 10.1 12.3 13.6 19.9
OPC-2D
(-10.02) (-24.77) (-26.39) (-12.26) (-23.48) (-34.92) (-35.85) (-22.87)
4.15 5.15 7.15 8.05 11.8 14.5 18.8 24.6
OPC-2E
(-3.26) (-21.73) (-7.50) (-5.07) (-10.61) (-23.28) (-11.32) (-4.65)

Note : Values within brackets are the percentage increase/ decrease over OPC -2
 250 180
OPC-1 OPC-1A
160 OPC-2 OPC-2A
RELATIVE STRENGTH OPC-1B OPC-1C OPC-2B OPC-2C
200 OPC-1D OPC-1E

RELATIVE STRENGTH
140 OPC-2D OPC-2E

120
150
100

100 80
60
50 40
20
0 0
1D 3D 7D 28D 1D 3D 7D 28D
Fig 1A: Relative flexural strength of
Fig 1B: Relative flexural strength of
OPC 1 Blends
OPC 2 Blends
180
OPC-1 OPC-1A 180
160 OPC-1B OPC-1C 160 OPC-2 OPC-2A
RELATIVE STRENGTH

140 OPC-1D OPC-1E OPC-2B OPC-2C

RELATIVE STRENGTH
140 OPC-2D OPC-2E
120
120
100
100
80
80
60
60
40
40
20 20
0 0
1D 3D 7D 28D 1D 3D 7D 28D
Fig 1C: Relative compressive strength of Fig 1D: Relative compressive strength of
OPC 1 Blends at W/C=0.5 OPC 2 Blends at W/C=0.5
180
180
160 OPC-1 OPC-1A
OPC-1B OPC-1C
OPC-2 OPC-2A
160
OPC-2B OPC-2C
RELATIVE STRENGTH

140 OPC-1D OPC-1E

RELATIVE STRENGTH

140 OPC-2D OPC-2E

120
120
100
100
80
80
60
60
40
40
20
20
0
1D 3D 7D 28D 0
1D 3D 7D 28D
Fig 1E: Relative compressive strength of
OPC 1 Blends at same consistency Fig 1F: Relative compressive strength of
OPC 2 blends at same consistency
3.4 Compressive Strength of cement blends at same w/c ratio

The compressive strengths of OPC-1 and OPC-2 blends with nano/ microsilica, determined
on mortar prisms prepared using same w/c ratio of 0.5, are given in Tables 4 and 5 and their relative
compressive strengths are given in Figures 1C and 1D. No clear trends in the compressive strengths
of the blends were observed with either OPC-1 or OPC-2. The OPC-1 blend containing 5 percent
nanosilica had significantly higher strengths at the early ages of 1 and 3 days, the increase being
53.42 and 25.86 percent, respectively (Figure). For OPC-2 blend containing 5 percent nanosilica the
strength increase was observed only at the age of 1 day, the increase being 24.24 percent. The early
strengths of blends containing microsilica were in general lower than those of control OPC
samples.

3.5 Compressive Strength of cement blends at same consistency

The compressive strengths of OPC-1 and OPC-2 blends with nano/ microsilica, determined
on 1: 3 cement sand mortar cubes using mortars of same consistency, are given in Tables 6 and 7
and their relative compressive strengths are given in Figures 1E and 1F. As the water content used
for preparation of mortars was arrived at taking into consideration the normal consistency of
cement blends (as per IS 4031 part 6), the w/c ratio was different for different blends. The
increasing content of nano/ microsilica resulted in higher and higher w/c ratios being used for
achieving same mortar consistency. The maximum increase in w/c ratio was affected by 5 percent
nanosilica. Any positive effects of nanosilica/ microsilica on compressive strengths were apparently
overshadowed by the higher w/c ratios with the result that the compressive strengths of blends were
generally lower than or comparable to compressive strengths of control OPC samples.

3.6 Discussion

The blending of nanosilica/ microsilica powder to OPC resulted in significant increase in

the surface area of cements. This led to significant increase in the normal consistency of cement
blends. The increase in NC was much higher in blends containing 5 percent nanosilica. The blends
containing nanosilica also showed shorter setting times. Shortening of setting times indicated
acceleration of initial hydration reaction. This was in agreement with the reported accelerating
effect of nanosilica on cement hydration reaction (3).

The results obtained with OPC-1 indicated that at same w/c ratio the increase in flexural
strength was higher for higher contents of nanosilica. Further, the increase in early flexural strength
was substantially higher compared to increase at 28 days. This again emphasized the accelerating
effect of nanosilica on cement hydration reaction. The substantial increase in normal consistency of
blends containing 5 percent nanosilica indicated the need for using superplastizers at 5 percent or
higher content of nanosilica. The results obtained with OPC-2 blends containing 2 & 3 percent
nanosilica did not show any substantial increase in flexural strength and the blend containing 5
percent nanosilica showed lower strength. No clear trends in the compressive strengths of the
blends, either at same w/c ratio or at same consistency, were observed with either OPC-1 or OPC-2.
These results indicated the need to take up further work on evaluation of OPC-nanosilica blends,
possibly using higher contents of nanosilica along with superplasticizers to control any abnormal
rise in water requirement for maintaining same consistency
 Table 6 Compressive strengths of OPC-1 and nano/ microsilica blends
at same consistency

Compressive strength, MPa

Code No. w/c ratio
1D 3D 7D 28 D

OPC-1 0.40 11.00 25.80 35.80 53.60

10.20 27.70 36.20 50.00
OPC-1A 0.42
(-7.27) (7.36) (1.12) (-6.72)
11.00 27.00 37.10 53.00
OPC-1B 0.43
(0) (4.65) (3.63) (-1.12)
6.64 19.51 30.02 38.00
OPC-1C 0.52
(-39.64) (-24.38) (-16.15) (-29.1)
12.00 29.10 38.10 52.00
OPC-1D 0.39
(9.09) (12.79) (6.42) (-2.99)
6.76 21.18 29.30 48.00
OPC-1E 0.42
(-38.55) (-17.91) (-18.16) (-10.45)

Note : Values within brackets are the percentage increase/ decrease over OPC -1

Table 7 Compressive strengths of OPC-2 and nano/ microsilica blends

at same consistency

Compressive strength, MPa

Code No. w/c ratio
1D 3D 7D 28 D

OPC-2 0.42 25.6 34.0 39.7 48.2

22.4 30.6 40.0 46.0
OPC-2A 0.45
(-12.50) (-10.0) (0.76) (-4.56)
23.0 29.5 40.6 42.2
OPC-2B 0.47
(-10.16) (-13.24) (2.27) (-12.45)
18.0 28.6 36.6 40.5
OPC-2C 0.53
(-26.69) (-15.88) (-7.81) (-15.98)
17.2 29.0 31.0 41.5
OPC-2D 0.44
(-32.81) (-14.71) (-21.91) (-13.90)
18.1 29.7 35.1 51.2
OPC-2E 0.45
(-29.3) (-12.65) (-11.59) (6.22)

Note : Values within brackets are the percentage increase/ decrease over OPC -2
4.0 CONCLUSIONS

i. Nanosilica addition, in the range of 2-5 percent (replacing equal content of OPC), resulted
in substantial increase in the Blaine’s fineness and normal consistency of cement blends.
ii. Presence of nanosilica resulted in shortening of setting times and indicated acceleratory
effect of nanosilica on early cement hydration.
iii. Nanosilica addition, in some cases, resulted in higher flexural strengths especially at early
ages. Further, higher content of nanosilica led to higher increases in flexural strength.
iv. No clear cut trends were observed in other cases, especially regarding compressive
strengths of mortars.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This paper is based on R & D studies carried out at National Council for Cement and
Building Materials, New Delhi, India. This paper is published with the permission of the Director
General of the Council.

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