Mechanical, microstructure, durability, and economic assessment of nano titanium dioxide integrated concrete
Ibadur Rahman, Sagar Paruthi, Nirendra Dev, Mohammed Arif, Afzal Husain Khan, Mohd Abul Hasan, C. Venkata Siva Rama Prasad, Ahmad Alyaseen
Abstract
Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative approach to enhancing the concrete properties. This research examines the impact of nano-titanium dioxide (NT) on the concrete properties. NT was incorporated in varying dosages (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% by weight of the cement) to assess its impact on strength, toughness, and resilience. The results demonstrated a significant enhancement in mechanical properties, with a peak compressive strength of 65.20 ± 1.03 MPa, a split tensile strength of 3.44 ± 0.17 MPa, and a flexural strength of 9.5 ± 0.47 MPa at a 1.5% NT dosage after 28 days of curing. Furthermore, the long-term performance was notable, as the compressive strength further increased to 75.25 ± 1.10 MPa at 180 days, confirming the sustained strength-gain potential of NT-incorporated concrete. Also, durability assessments were conducted under aggressive conditions, including exposure to 4% NaCl, HCl, and H 2 SO 4 for 90 days. Additional tests, including rapid chloride penetrability test (RCPT), surface resistivity, freeze-thaw resistance, and accelerated carbonation, were conducted to assess long-term durability along with its economic feasibility. The NT-incorporated concrete demonstrated enhanced resistance to chloride ingress, acid attack, and elevated temperatures (200–600 °C), with improved modulus of elasticity and fire resistance. Furthermore, durability assessments revealed a noteworthy contrast, i.e., while resistivity tests classified NT-incorporated concretes as having ‘very low’ chloride penetrability, RCPT values remained in the ‘moderate’ category. This divergence underscores the need for multiple durability indices in evaluating nano-concretes. Microstructural analyses using scanning electron microscopy confirmed the densification effect of NT, leading to a refined pore structure and improved bond efficiency within the cementitious matrix. Moreover, economic analysis confirms the economic viability of nano-titanium concrete, demonstrating significant long-term savings through service life extension despite higher initial investment. This research highlights the potential of NT in developing high-performance, durable concrete, reinforcing the importance of nanotechnology in construction industry.