ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to summarize the influence of a set of nanomaterials on the mechanical performance of cement-based composites, discussing their application, potential, and limitations. In light of the aforementioned mechanisms, it presents a review of the effects of different nanomaterials on the mechanical properties of cement-based matrices. The chapter discusses nanomaterial type and deals with general discussion on the application potential and limitations of nanomaterials to improve the mechanical performance of cement-based composites. Nanosilica (NS) particles are spherical nanoparticles with a high surface area, composed mainly of amorphous Silicon dioxide, and with high pozzolanic activity. The effect of NS on the mechanical properties of the cement matrix has been associated with a decrease in porosity induced through physical and chemical phenomena. Nanotitania is a titanium dioxide nanoparticle that can be found as three crystalline polymorphs: anatase, rutile, and brookite. Iron oxides are a family of compounds composed of iron and oxygen atoms that exist in different stoichiometric combinations.
