Production of a new type of nano-silica – olivine nano-silica – and its application in concrete

In this paper the application of a new nano-silica in concrete is studied. This nano-silica is produced by the dissolution of olivine. The production of nanosilica by the olivine route is a cheaper method than the commercial methods (neutralization of sodium silicate solutions and the flame hydrolysis) because of the low cost of raw materials and the low energy requirements. The produced nano-silica has a specific surface area between 100—400 m2/g, primary particles between 10 to 25 nm (agglomerated in clusters), and an SiO2 content above 95 %. In addition, the pozzolanic properties and the dispersion state of the nano-silica were studied. From these results it is concluded that olivine nano-silica can be applied successfully in concrete because of its high pozzolanic activity.

Author: A. Lazaro, G. Quercia, H.J.H. Brouwers

Section: Concrete

Keywords: concrete, nano­silica, olivine