Concrete is a material whose basic building block exists on the scale of nanometers, and nano-engineering of concrete has emerged as a promising technology in the construction industry over the past decade.

Our group investigates the use of nanomaterials (carbon nanofibers, nanoparticles, and nanoclays) to engineer cement-based materials at the nanoscale based on enhanced reactivity and fiber reinforcement in order to improve the material mechanical properties and long-term durability.

Selected References

“Agglomeration and reactivity of nanoparticles of SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, and clays in cement pastes and effects on compressive strength at ambient and elevated temperatures,” Y. Reches, K. Thomson, M. Helbing, D.S. Kosson, F. Sanchez. Construction and Building Materials, 167: 860-873, 2018.

“Quantification of the re-agglomeration of carbon nanofiber aqueous dispersion in cement pastes and effect on the early age flexural response,” C. Stephens, L. Brown, and F. Sanchez. Carbon, 107: 482-500, 2016.

“Performance of carbon nanofibers/cementitious composites with a high-range water-reducer,” C. Gay and F. Sanchez. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 2142, 109-113, 2010 [Nanotechnology in Cement and Concrete, Volume 2]. View Abstract.

“Carbon nanofibre/cement composites: challenges and promises as structural materials,” F. Sanchez. International Journal of Materials and Structural Integrity, 3(2-3), 217-226, 2009. [Special issue on Nanotechnology for Structural Materials; Guest Editors: M.R. Taha and M. Al-Haik]. View Abstract.

“Microstructure and macroscopic properties of hybrid carbon nanofibers/silica fume cement composites,” F. Sanchez and C. Ince. Composites Science and Technology, 69(7-8), 1310-1318, 2009. View Abstract.