Process Know-how for Manufacturing of Silica Nano Particles (SNPs)

Performance and durability of cement/ concrete based material is the key in order to attain sustainability. Presently, silica fume is used for high performance concrete. However, this indigenously developed nano-silica is expected to replace the silica fume, an imported material owing to its higher performance and enhance durability.

Nanotechnology in construction sector is gaining widespread attentionas it provides a suitable alternative to fulfil the present need of sustainable construction without compromising the strength and cost of the concrete. Applications of silica nanoparticles (SNPs) in cementitious system results in three major advantages i.e.

(1) Higher early stage strength, yielding to speedy construction;

(2) Improvement in microstructure leading to higher performance against environmental constituents and

(3) Modification in C-S-H structure, thereby exhibiting to enhanced durability. 

This is an improved, cost-effective and facile process for the preparation of silica nanoparticles for use in cement based materials.