Fire performance of concrete containing nano-fibers and graphite nanoparticles: Smart Nanoconcretes and Cement-Based Materials

Abstract

One of mankind's biggest achievements has been to harness fire which has quickened the pace of technological advancements. While we have benefitted greatly, we have suffered none the less. Structural fires have been a huge problem for the past few decades and the loss of property and life has been immense. Concrete structures are generally considered as potent against fire, given the intrinsic lower thermal conductivity of concrete and its enduring nature. However, irreversible physical and chemical changes occur in the cement matrix over long periods of fire exposure. Concrete is a multi-phase, multi-scale material, with each phase behaving differently under fire conditions. This difference of behavior often leads to deterioration of mechanical strength of concrete which can cause structural failures. Human population is on the rise and so is the need for its habitation, thus the building materials are being used today at a higher pace than ever. The advanced building materials are light, strong, durable and long lasting; however, the problem could be with their resistance to fire. This is where nano-technology offers innovative and effective solutions, by contributing to develop building materials that are not only durable and sustainable in nature, but at the same time are fire enduring.
Keywords: Nano-technology; Cement matrix; Elevated temperatures; Concrete