Controllable synthesis of sodium-calcium silicate nanoplates and the enhancement of cement-based materials

Abstract

Special planar structure endows two-dimensional (2D) materials with unique physical and chemical properties and the application of 2D materials to cement-based materials ensures the mechanical properties of buildings and infrastructures. Herein, a novel 2D nanoplate is synthesized through hydrothermal method with controlled sizes and morphologies. TEM and SEM measurements are used to characterize the nanostructures, confirming the morphologies, the distribution of elements among the structures and the crystal structure. The as-prepared nanoplates are able to enhance the mechanical strength of the cement mortar by its specific morphology and pozzolanic activity. The flexural strength was improved by 45.73 % after 1 d curing due to the acceleration of cement hydration. From the analysis of XRD and TG-DTG patterns, the nanoplates have strong interaction with the cement paste and the amount of the hydration products varied by the addition of the nanoplates. This approach helps promote the development of cement-based materials with high performance.

Keywords

• Controllable synthesis
• Calcium silicates
• Two-dimensional materials
• Cement-based materials
• Flexural strength