Synthesis of silica nanoparticles from chrysotile to strengthen concerete
- Author
- Maziriri, Tinevimbo
- Title
- Synthesis of silica nanoparticles from chrysotile to strengthen concerete
- Abstract
- Nano fibrous silica with a high surface area was produced from chrysotile by the acid leaching method using Hydrochloric acid, Sulphuric acid and Phosphoric acid. Natural mineral chrysotile asbestos from Zvishavane was used as the starting material. The fibers were modified by chemical treatment with 2M HCl and the mineral dissolution was monitored using X ray powder diffraction and a FTIR to highlight the effects of the leaching process. The results showed that the applied concentration of the acid solution of 2M and processing time of 4hours were sufficient to effectively remove the magnesium hydroxide later and transform chrysotile to porous silicon dioxide. The main purpose of the production of silica nanoparticles was to strengthen concrete. Silica Nps are used in concrete due to its finer particles and pozzanic behaviour are valuable in high performance of concretes. Nano silica improves the bonding between the cement mixtures and easily aggregates, therefore a concrete with high flexural strength and compressive strength can be produced using nano-silica. Silica fume is used to produce a highly enhanced concrete with high early strength and compressive strength can be produced using nano silica.
- Date
- 2022
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Nano fibrous silica
- Supervisor
- Professor Mupa, M.
- Item sets
- Department of Chemistry
Part of Synthesis of silica nanoparticles from chrysotile to strengthen concerete