Effects of colloidal nanosilica on rheological and mechanical properties of fly ash–cement mortar

The present study is aimed at investigating the combined effects of colloidal nanosilica (CNS) and fly ash on the properties of cement-based materials. The fresh and hardened properties of mixtures with CNS of 10 nm size and two Class F fly ashes were evaluated. Results revealed that CNS accelerates the setting of fly ash–cement systems by accelerating cement hydration, while fly ash can offset the reduction in fluidity caused by CNS. The early-age strength gain (before 7 d) of fly ash–cement systems was improved by CNS. However, the strength gain of mixtures with CNS diminished at later ages (after 28 d), where strength was eventually comparable to or exceeded by mixtures without CNS. Results showed that lack of Ca(OH)2, which results from the high pozzolanic reactivity of CNS at early ages, and the hydration hindrance effect of CNS on cement at later ages can be the critical reasons.