Suspended Multifunctional Nanocellulose as Additive for Mortars.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Civil Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Cellulose derivatives are crucial in composite materials for enhanced mechanical performance.
• Incorporating nanocellulose into cement-based materials influences rheology, hydration, and mechanical properties.
• Investigating novel nanocellulose additives for improved mortar characteristics is of significant interest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and evaluate oxidized nanocellulose (ONC) as a functional additive for commercial mortars.
• To assess the impact of ONC on the mechanical properties and water-mortar interactions of hardened mortar.
• To understand how ONC modifies the microstructure, particularly porosity, of cement-based materials.

Main Methods:

• Commercial cotton wool was oxidized to produce oxidized nanocellulose (ONC).
• ONC was suspended and added to a commercial mortar mixture.
• Mechanical properties (compressive resistance) and water-mortar interactions (water absorption) were evaluated.
• Microstructural analysis focused on changes in porosity and pore size distribution.

Main Results:

• The addition of ONC altered mortar porosity, decreasing the overall percentage and shifting pore size distribution towards smaller pores.
• A significant increase in compressive resistance was observed in mortars containing ONC.
• The water absorption coefficient of the mortar decreased, and the percentage of micropores increased, suggesting improved durability.

Conclusions:

• Oxidized nanocellulose (ONC) is a suitable additive for enhancing the mechanical performance and durability of commercial mortars.
• ONC modifies the mortar microstructure by reducing porosity and refining pore size, leading to improved properties.
• The findings indicate a potential for ONC to enhance the durability of cement-based materials.