Effect of Powdered Nano-Local Banded Iron Formation (BIF) Rock on Some Mechanical Properties of Cementitious Concrete
Received: 27 October 2024 | Revised: 19 November 2024 | Accepted: 28 November 2024 | Online: 2 February 2025
Corresponding author: Khaled M. Osman
Abstract
Banded Iron Formation (BIF) rocks are a significant source of iron ore, and they can also be used in the production of cementitious materials. However, the BIFs of the Egyptian Eastern Desert (ED) are not currently employed in steel iron manufacturing due to their elevated silica content and the technical challenges and high cost associated with extracting iron ore from them. Furthermore, the incorporation of nano-sized particles of BIF into cementitious mortar may impart specific characteristics that could enhance mechanical strength and durability, or even contribute to sustainability. This study examines the impact of nano- and powder-based materials derived from locally sourced BIF rocks on the properties of cementitious concrete when used as partial replacements for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). A comprehensive evaluation was conducted on concrete mixtures with varying cement replacement ratios, 1, 2, 3, and 4%, to assess the impact on key mechanical properties at different curing ages, 7, 28, and 90 days. The concrete samples exhibited significant enhancements in mechanical properties at all curing periods. The 2% Nano-BIF replacement yielded the most notable increase. Furthermore, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis demonstrated that the Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ) between the cement paste and aggregates exhibited a robust compacted bond, indicating that local nano-BIFs have the potential to serve as an effective additive for enhancing the mechanical properties of cementitious concrete.
Keywords:
nano-Banded Iron Formation (BIF), mineral admixture, cementitious materials, mechanical properties, XRD, TEM analysisDownloads
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Copyright (c) 2024 Khaled M. Osman, Magdy A. Elyamany, Maged E. Elfakharany, Sayed S. Mostafa

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