Nanomodification of cement-based composites in the technological life cycle

The paper reviews the theoretical framework of nanomodification principles of building composites and the conceptual model of the nanomodification from the point of view of the evolutionary model of the solid phase formation depending on the kinetics of heterogeneous processes. According to the route, the main factors of the cement system nanomodifcation were identified for all stages of the technological life cycle. These are associated with the nano-sized particles playing the role of a) structure-forming nuclei, b) substrates for crystallization, c) centers of new formation zoning in the matrix substance of the material, d) nano-reinforcing matrix element. The concepts of the nanomodification and technological tools of the nanomodification of building composites are substantiated. Their hydration kinetics, phase composition, microstructure, rheology and strength characteristics are investigated in order to evaluate the efficiency of the nanomodification principles. It is shown that the use of the nanomodifiers enhances the ductility of cement paste, accelerates cement hydration processes by 9–28 times, and increases strength by 1.5–2 times. This will reduce the cost of flow, casting and hardening processes in the technological life cycle of cement-based composites.