Study on the influence of zeolite nanoparticles on selected properties of portland cement

Introduction. Cement microstructure imaging is an emerging field of non-destructive compositional investigation. Some data may be available via one method but not the other due to various physical and chemical mechanisms that could cause cement decay. In order to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate cement stone, it is necessary to investigate it as a complex multi-phase composite material, identify its crystalline phases, and estimate the precise size of its nanoparticles. Materials and methods. This work presents the results of a microscopic study of the effect of Nanozeolites (particle size ≤ 100 nm) on cements for cementing wells. To study the surface properties (chemical bonds between molecules, analysis of mineral composition, and surface topography and morphology) of class G cement stone, three types of microscopes – IR spectrum, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) – were used. Zeolite nanoparticle additives were introduced at varying concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 1.5% by weight of cement) after 8 hours of curing in a water bath at atmospheric pressure and a heating temperature of 60оC (140оF). Results and discussion. The infrared spectra revealed changes in surface properties, indicating a decrease in free water and an increase in the strength of the system with the addition of nano zeolite. X-ray diffraction method (XRD) allowed for the identification of the main phases of crystalline hydration. The highest peak intensity is due to calcium hydroxide CH, which decreases with the addition of nano zeolite. This phenomenon elucidates the pozzolanic behavior of nano zeolite, which reacts with precipitated calcium hydroxide upon hydration to form C–S– H, reduces the calcium hydroxide content of the layered structure and increases C–S–H. The topography and surface morphology of the samples were studied at the nanoscale using atomic force microscopy. The images show the nanoparticles propagate along the cracks and appear to increase the surface layer's resistance to deformation and stress relaxation in cement-based materials. In addition, they promote viscoelastic C–S–H behavior. Conclusion. Adding nano zeolite to Portland cement affects the process of early hydration of cement stone and increases its early strength. Additionally, the introduction of 1.5% nano zeolite into cement results in the formation of irregular peaks and valleys of low porosity filler, ultimately enhancing the cement's strength.