Effect of incorporation route on dispersion of mesoporous silica nanospheres in cement mortar

It was shown that the uniform dispersion of nanoparticles into a cement matrix is a key issue in their application in the field. Therefore, here we compare two methods of incorporation of mesoporous silica nanospheres into cement using acetone (method A) or water (method B) as a dispersant, to reveal its influence on the mechanical properties of the formed composite. It was proven that in both cases, small amounts of silica nanoparticles agglomerates does not affect the mechanical properties of the cement mortars. However, the addition of mesoporous silica nanospheres to cement in an acetone solution is more effective and results in higher compressive and flexural strength than the sample of the composite formed from water solution of silica nanoparticles and cement.