Title:
Mitigating Chloride-Ion Ingress in Cement Composite Using Nanosilica
Author(s):
Fulin Qu, Hanbing Zhao, Qiao Wang, Kejin Wang, and Wengui Li
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
123
Issue:
2
Appears on pages(s):
113-130
Keywords:
chloride ingress; durability; nanosilica (NS); pozzolanic activity; quantified hypermaps; sulfate-chloride dynamics
DOI:
10.14359/51749257
Date:
3/1/2026
Abstract:
Building resilient infrastructure in chloride-rich environments presents significant challenges. This study examines the impact of nanosilica (NS) and ground-granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS) on chloride ingress in cement composites exposed to seawater, NaCl solution, and a combined NaCl-Na2SO4 solution. Analysis using microcharacterization, backscattered electron
energy-dispersive spectroscopy (BSE-EDS) hypermaps, and thermodynamic modeling reveals that GGBFS enhances chloride binding by forming Friedel’s salt (FSS) across all environments, effectively immobilizing chloride ions. NS further refines the cement matrix by densifying the calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H) structure and generating additional C-S-H gels, improving physical chloride binding. This combined effect reduces porosity and strengthens resistance to chloride diffusion. Sulfate ions significantly influence hydration products and chloride binding, with excessive sulfate-reducing FSS formation, thereby weakening chloride resistance. Sulfate may also convert FSS into monosulfate (AFm) and ettringite (AFt), altering chloride immobilization. Cement composites containing both GGBFS and NS demonstrated superior resistance to chloride and sulfate exposure, as confirmed by thermodynamic modeling. These findings provide insights into sulfate-chloride interactions and offer guidance for developing durable cementitious materials in aggressive environments.
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