Macro-mechanics and Microstructure of Nanomaterial-modified Geopolymer Concrete: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

We have described in detail the effects of nano-SiO₂, nano-CaCO₃, carbon nanotubes, and nano-Al₂O₃ on geopolymer concrete from the perspectives of macro mechanics and microstructure. The existing research results show that the mechanism of nano-materials on geopolymer concrete mainly includes the filling effect, nucleation effect, and bridging effect, the appropriate amount of nano-materials can be used as fillers to reduce the porosity of geopolymer concrete, and can also react with Ca(OH)₂ to produce C-S-H gel, thereby improving the mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete. The optimum content of nano-SiO₂ is between 1.0% and 2.0%. The optimum content of nano-CaCO₃ is between 2.0% and 3.0%. The optimum content of carbon nanotubes is between 0.1% and 0.2%. The optimum content of nano-Al₂O₃ is between 1.0% and 2.0%. The main problems existing in the research and application of nanomaterial-modified geopolymer concrete are summarized, which lays a foundation for the further application of nanomaterial in geopolymer concrete.

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