Effect of ZnO Nanoparticles on Cement Mortar for Enhancing the Physico-Chemical, Mechanical and Related Properties

Zincoxide nanoparticles have been incorporated into the cementitious materials for enhancing their physico-chemical and mechanical properties. The decrease in particle size will leads the increase in surface to volume ratio as compared to conventional micro-particles. In this investigation to evaluate physical, chemical and mechanical properties of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) containing zinc oxide nanoparticles. Zinc oxide nanoparticles used with replacement of various properties such as 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% by weight with ordinary Portland cement. The ordinary Portland cement mortar, nano zincoxide cement mortars prepared with the water-binder ratio (w/b ratio) as 0.4 and cement-sand ratio as 1:3 by weight. The prepared mortars are analyzed through compressive strength, setting time, flexural strength, porosity, water absorption, sulphate attack, electrical resistivity and with SEM analysis. The setting time of zinc oxide nano particle significantly decreased and enhanced the compressive strength of Portland cement mortar. The flexural strength outcomes showed that the cement mortars with zinc oxide nanoparticle were higher rather than Portland cement mortar. Microstructure of mortar contained zinc oxide nano particles illustrate that the nano zinc oxide particles filled the pores significantly and so large size of calcium hydroxide crystals reduced afterwards more hydration products formed.