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Title: Effective Transport and Efficiency Parameters for Electrokinetic Nanoparticle Treatment of Hardened Cement Paste

Author(s): Huayuan Zhong and Henry E. Cardenas

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 119

Issue: 4

Appears on pages(s): 139-149

Keywords: efficiency; electrokinetic nanoparticle (EN) treatment; hardened cement paste; nanoparticle; pH; pozzolan; stability; transport

DOI: 10.14359/51734730

Date: 7/1/2022

Abstract:
Electrokinetic nanopozzolan treatment of cementitious materials has proven to be beneficial for improving durability and rehabilitation outcomes through significant porosity reduction. This study investigated process parameters that enabled control of particle transport effectiveness and cost efficiency as applied to ordinary portland hardened cement paste (HCP). The most significant strength enhancement achieved in this study was 35%, which was provided by a 22 nm silica nanoparticle. This treatment produced a porosity reduction from 25 to 18%. The cost of using this particle was a factor of 2 to 6 lower than the other candidates. An innovative electrode setup was developed to help reduce the particle instability associated with electrolysis-induced pH increases. This new method enabled the use of electric field values that allowed for current densities as high as the concrete damage threshold of 1 A/m2.