Effect of nanoparticles on the properties of green reactive powder concrete

Recently, awareness has increased about the use of nanomaterials in concrete production. The inclusion of such materials into cementitious matrices can improve its properties overall. Reactive powder concrete is one of the types of concrete that is distinguished by its superior properties. Such concrete requires using a high amount of cement. The last has a negative impact on the environment and production costs. In contrast, the utilization of nonbiodegradable materials, produced as a byproduct of industrial processes, in concrete production. Therefore, this research has introduced the study of some properties of green reactive powder concrete (RPC) produced from waste materials (glass, slag, and silica fume) and reinforced with local nanomaterials. The waste materials have been used as a partial substitute of cement by 30%. Thirteen mixes of green RPC have been prepared. Different amounts of nano glass (NG) and nano slag (NS) have been used as additives to mixes, in mono form and hybrid form. The NG and NS have been included into mixes by (2, 2.5, 3, 4) % of binder material, separately. Besides, the NG and NS have been added in combined form (2.0%NG + 2.5%NS, 2.0%NG + 3.0%NS, 2.5%NG + 2.5%NS, 2.5%NG + 3.0%NS). The results have revealed that the incorporation of the nanoparticles decreases of flowability of mixes. The reduction of flowability increases with increasing the nanoparticle content. While the hardened RPC specimens have shown improvement in the compressive strength. The greater value of strength has been seen in specimens containing 2.5%NG, 2.5%NS, and 2.5%NG + 2.5%NS, at early and late ages. The increase rates ranged between (1–22) % based on the type of nanoparticles and their use in mono form or hybrid form. Continuously, the density of RPC has shown slight enhancement by adding nanoparticles (NG or/and NS).