![Sample our Geography journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5937/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Geography.jpg"})
Abstract
The study of the application of nanotechnology in the construction industry and building structures is one of the most prominent priorities of the research community. The outstanding chemical and physical properties of nanomaterials enable several applications ranging from structural reinforcement to environmental pollution remediation and production of self-cleaning materials. It is known that concrete is the leading material in structural applications, where stiffness, strength and cost play a key role in the high attributes of concrete. This paper reviews the literature on the application of nanotechnology in the construction industry, more particularly in concrete production. The paper first presents general information and definitions of nanotechnology. Then, it focuses on the most effective nanoadditives that readily improve concrete properties, such as (i) nanosilica and silica fume, (ii) nanotitanium dioxide, (iii) iron oxide, (iv) chromium oxide, (v) nanoclay, (vi) CaCO3, (vii) Al2O3, (viii) carbon nanotubes and (ix) graphene oxide. Besides summarising the main nanomaterials used in concrete production as well as the results achieved with each addition, some future potential consequences of nanotechnology development and orientations to explore in construction are discussed.
Acknowledgements
The first author acknowledges both University of Lisbon and Banco SantanderTotta for granting his scholarship. The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support of Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT – Portugal), through project PTDC/ECM/117774-2010, as well as ICIST and IDMEC research units, IST and University of Lisbon. The corresponding author acknowledges the support by FCT, through IDMEC, under LAETA, project UID/EMS/50022/2013.