This study evaluates the synergistic impact of nano-silica (NS) and nano-clay (NC) on the hydration characteristics and microstructure of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) paste. Two main parameters, which strongly affect the physico-chemical and mechanical performance of OPC-pastes, including the hybrid NS and NC mass% (0, 1, 2, 4 and 6 wt% at NS:NC mass ratio of 1:1) and superplasticizer (SP) content, SP% (0 and 1 mass% with respect to OPC) have been studied. The results proved the addition of hybrid NS/NC has a good impact on the performance of OPC-pastes. All NS/NC-cement composites containing 1% SP showed the highest engineering properties comparing with composites with no SP. The composite containing the hybrid effect of 3 wt% NS:3 wt% NC:1 wt% SP presented the highest performance at all ages of curing as confirmed by X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy. |
