The Influence of Chrysotile Nanofibers Dispersion on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of the Cement Matrix

Abstract

The article describes the influence of chrysotile nanofibers dispersion introduction on the properties of the cement matrix. Comparison of the dispersion level of suspensions obtained using cavitation and ultrasonic processing methods is presented. The positive effect of chrysotile fibers application on the strength characteristics of the material has been confirmed. A 34% increase in the compressive strength of the samples was achieved on the 7th day of hardening, while on the 28th day it increased by 36% and with the steam treatment - by 38% compared to the reference sample. Laser particle size analysis confirmed the predominance of the nanosized component of chrysotile fibers in the suspension, which affected the structuring of the cement matrix. The results of the differential thermography, IR spectrometry, X-ray microanalysis and scanning electron microscopy of the samples are also presented. The analysis methods confirmed that introduction of chrysotile nanofibers suspension into the composition of a cement binder makes it possible to significantly vary the structure and morphology of new formations in fine-grained concrete. It also changes the quantitative and qualitative phase composition of the material with the formation of calcium silicate hydrates of lower basicity, leading to an increase in the strength of cement concrete.