NANOTECHNOLOGY AND CONCRETE: BACKGROUND, OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

Nanotechnology is a very active research area all over the world. The concept, which started after the invention of carbon nano-tubes, is being utilized in a number of fields including: electronics, bio-mechanics and machine components. Recently a number of researchers started investigations that utilizes nano-technology concept in Portland cement composites. The two initial areas of research deals with the understanding of the hydration of cement particles and the use of nano-size silica particles. The author believes that if cement with nano-size particles can be manufactured, it will open up a large number of opportunities in the fields of ceramics, high strength composites and electronic applications. Portland cement could become the high tech material as compared to its current status of conventional construction material. Very few inorganic cementing materials can match the capabilities of Portland cement in terms of cost. Basic background information, state of the art, opportunities and challenges are discussed in this closing paper.

• ABSTRACT

• Keywords

• INTRODUCTION

• NANO-COMPOSITES

• NANO-TUBES: GENERAL DESCRIPTION

• NANOTECHNOLOGY AND CONCRETE

• COATINGS FOR CONCRETE

• NANO-SENSORS FOR CONCRETE STRUCTURES

• OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

• SUMMARY

• REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY