Silica Fume
摘要
Silica fume, also known as microsilica, is a byproduct of the production of silicon and ferrosilicon alloys. Consisting of extremely fine particles with a diameter of less than 1 micron, silica fume is a pozzolanic material that enhances the properties of concrete through physical and chemical mechanisms. When added to concrete, silica fume fills the voids between cement particles, enhancing the packing density and reducing the concrete’s permeability. Chemically, it reacts with the calcium hydroxide released during the hydration of cement to form calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H), the compound that gives concrete its strength and durability. This reaction is particularly effective in severe environmental conditions, such as high humidity or exposure to chemicals, where enhanced durability is crucial (Mehta and Monteiro 2006).