Influence of Nanoclay on the Properties and Morphology of Cement Mortar

This paper investigates the impact of partial substitution of cement with hydrophilic nanoclay platelets on the mechanical properties, workability, consistency, water absorption and morphology of cement mortar. Cement mortar mixtures with various replacement ratios, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% of nanoclay by weight of cement, were prepared and tested according to the standards. The results show that adding small quantities of nanoclay could improve the mechanical strengths of cement mortar. The best enhancements were reported for cement mortar reinforced with 2 wt.% nanoclay, where 11%, 5%, and 9% improvement in the compressive strength, flexural strength, and tensile strength, respectively, were observed. Adding nanoclay into cement mortar also leads to increase the amount of water needed to reach the normal consistency, elongate its setting time, increase its water absorption, but reduce its capillary water absorption coefficient and lower flowability of the pastes. SEM imaging showed a reasonable level of dispersion of nanoclay within the mortar.