Effects of KCC-1/Ag Nanoparticles on the Mechanical Properties of Concrete

The effect of nano KCC-1/Ag and nano SiO2 in concrete have been investigated in this study. Nano KCC-1/Ag and nano SiO2 are synthesized and their characterization was investigated by FTIR, SEM, and TEM analysis. After that, these materials use as cement replacement in 1, 2, and 3 percent amounts. SEM images illustrate the denser structure of KCC-1/Ag nanoparticles. Furthermore, in the FTIR spectra 3640 cm^-1 is related to C-S-H, which is sharper and more severe in samples with nano KCC-1/Ag and nano SiO2. The results revealed that nano SiO2 and nano KCC-1/Ag both improved the microstructure of cement paste and increased the concrete compressive and splitting tensile strength. For comparison the performance of nano KCC-1/Ag and nano SiO2, the results indicated that nano KCC-1/Ag improved the microstructure of concrete better than nano SiO2. Hence, it has a better performance in enhancing the strength of concrete. The study showed that the optimal percentage of using nano KCC-1/Ag was 2%.