Effects of different nanomaterials on the early performance of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC): C–S–H seeds and nano-silica

The early hydration of UHPC can be retarded by the low water/binder ratio, the high polycarboxylate superplasticizers dosage, and the large supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) content. In this study, the effects of the prepared nanoscale C–S–H seeds and nano-silica (NS) on the early performance of UHPC were compared. The mechanism of nanomaterials influencing the early hydration of UHPC was further characterized by calorimetry , thermal analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and mercury intrusion porosimetry . The results showed that the 1-day compressive strength of UHPC samples with 0.3 wt% C–S–H seeds and NS increased by 457% and 25% respectively compared to the control sample. Compared to NS, C–S–H seeds were more effective in accelerating the early (before 3 d) hydration to produce hydrates and refine the pore structure of UHPC. The NMR results further implied that compared with the NS, the C–S–H seeds was 12% and 343% more efficient in accelerating the early hydration of cement and SCMs, respectively. However, the performance enhancement of nanomaterials was effective at 1 d and had little effect thereafter.