Abstract:
The research trajectory within the construction industry is currently oriented towards incorporating nano materials into mortar and concrete, leveraging their potential as set accelerators due to the exceedingly fine properties of silica nano particles (SNPs). This study aims to explore the impact of SNPs on the performance of mortar composed of Sorghum Husk Ash (SHA) and Calcium Carbide Waste (CCW) binder. The intention is to ascertain the suitability of this combination. SHA, a residual ash derived from sorghum husk agricultural by-products, rich in amorphous silica (SiO2), is combined with CCW, an industrial by-product of acetylene gas production, predominantly composed of lime (CaO). When mixed with water, this blend forms compounds exhibiting cementitious attributes. The assessment covers various aspects, including the mortar’s behavior in its fresh state, its early-age strength development, and its properties when fully cured.
Pastes were prepared with different binder ratios of 70% SHA and 30% CCW, integrating SNPs at increments of 0.5% ranging from 0.5% to 5%. The water-to-binder ratio (w/b) was set at 0.5, and a High Range Water Reducer Admixture (HRWRA) was optimized at 1.5% relative to the binder’s mass. Employing a standard mixture of 1:3 binder-to-sand ratio, the samples underwent scrutiny for flowability, air content, setting times, hydration degree, water absorption, abrasion resistance, and compressive strength at different ages (3, 7, 14, 28, 56, and 90 days).
Notably, mortar samples containing 3.0% SNPs demonstrated superior performance at 28 days, displaying a compressive strength of 7.45 N/mm², representing a 137% enhancement compared to the 70/30 (SHA_CCW) mixture. Similarly, at 90 days, the compressive strength of 9.01 N/mm² exhibited by the 3.0% SNPs samples stood at 134% of the 70/30 (SHA_CCW) mixture’s strength.
Based on the findings, it is recommended to utilize a mixture comprising 3.0% SNPs and 70/30 SHA_CCW in a 1:3 binder-to-sand ratio, with a 0.5 w/b ratio and a 1.5% water-reducing admixture for masonry applications. This combination conforms to the standards of class N mortar as outlined in ASTM C270.
Effect of Silica Nanoparticles on Sorghum Husk Ash and Calcium Carbide Waste Binder Mortar,  GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS
