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Nano-sand increases cement strength

May, 22 2012

(India)  --  Indian scientists have developed nano-sand particles that they claim will help construct stronger buildings in a shorter time. According to the experts, nano-sand particles increase the strength of cement concrete to a large extent and reduce the time for curing. A team of researchers from the Central Building Research Institute, led by Dr L.P. Singh, successfully utilised nano-technology to modify the structure of sand to obtain nano-sand, or silica particles, for use in cement concrete.

Adding nano-particles of sand significantly improves engineering properties of material on which cement is used, Dr Singh said. “Nano-technology is finding exciting applications in the construction sector. It can be used to modify the structure of materials to improve their bulk properties, such as mechanical performance, volume stability, durability and sustainability,” he said. The CBRI team synthesised spherical particles of nano-silica using a substance called tetra-ethoxy-silane as starting material and ammonia as the base catalyst, Dr Singh said. The particle size of nano-silica can be controlled. He said when these nano-particles are added in cement paste, they give compressive strength and calcium leaching resistance to cement.

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