Modification of Cement-Based Materials with Nanoparticles

Concerns about the negative effects of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions are growing dramatically, particularly as a broad wave of development emerges in many developing countries. The key to face sustainability challenge in the construction sector in the coming decades will be the development of modified concrete with fewer clinkers to reduce CO₂ emissions, while offering the satisficed performance strength and durability. In recent years, nanomaterials have emerged as a hotspot that has attracted many researchers’ attention to achieve the sustainability goals in the construction materials sector. Thus, this chapter provides a comprehensive assessment on sustainability of cement- and free cement-based concretes influenced by nanomaterials content and types. In this view, the mechanisms and the effect of nanomaterials on workability performance, strength properties and durability indexes of nano-modified concrete were reviewed. The past development, recent trends, environmental impact, sustainability, merits and demerits of several types of nanomaterials-based concrete production are discussed.