In the quest to enhance the performance of cement composites, researchers have turned to the nanoscale, and a new method of synthesis is making waves in the construction industry. Evgeny A. Shoshin, from Saratov State Technical University named after Yuri Gagarin, has pioneered a novel approach to creating nanostructured calcium hydrosilicates, which could significantly impact the energy sector and beyond.
The traditional use of nanosized calcium hydrosilicates as additives in cement has gained traction due to their ability to accelerate structure formation without compromising long-term strength and durability. However, Shoshin’s research, published in the journal ‘Нанотехнологии в строительстве’ (translated to English as ‘Nanotechnologies in Construction’), introduces a groundbreaking method known as complex mechanical-thermal synthesis.
This innovative technique combines mechanochemical synthesis with thermal decomposition. “We start with carbohydrate-modified calcium hydrosilicates,” Shoshin explains. “The carbohydrate is intercalated into the interlayer space of the hydrosilicates, which can then be decomposed under low-temperature thermolysis (less than 150°C). This process forms hydrosilicate nanoparticles that coagulate to create a nanostructured phase known as xerogel.”
The resulting mixture, termed calcium silicate dispersion (CSD), includes residues of raw materials and hydrated phases that did not decompose during thermolysis. The technological features of CSD synthesis and its properties reveal promising results. “We observed a moderate acceleration of daily strength gain in CSD-modified cement mortars, up to 60%, along with a parallel increase in grade strength by 17%,” Shoshin notes. Additionally, CSD has a significant effect on the rheological properties of cement mixtures, which could lead to more efficient and cost-effective construction processes.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. Faster-setting and stronger cement composites could revolutionize the construction of energy infrastructure, from wind turbines to nuclear power plants, where durability and rapid deployment are critical. “The development of this method is far from complete,” Shoshin acknowledges. “It is closely tied to the advancement of theoretical understanding, particularly the concept of non-classical nucleation as applied to hydrosilicate phases.”
Future developments in this field could focus on discovering new organic modifiers to enhance the properties of modified hydrosilicates and their thermal decomposition products. Improving synthesis modes to regulate the quantitative and qualitative parameters of the nanostructured phase and consumer properties of CSD could also expand its applications.
As the construction industry continues to seek innovative solutions to improve efficiency and sustainability, Shoshin’s research offers a glimpse into the future of cement composites. The complex mechanical-thermal synthesis method represents a significant step forward, with the potential to reshape the energy sector and beyond.