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CORROSION PERFORMANCE AND DURABILITY OF CEMENT MORTARS WITH NANOMATERIAL ADDITIONS IN CHLORIDE AND SULFATE AGGRESSIVE ENVIRONMENTS

Loredana Judele, Ana-Raluca ROSU, Ion Rusu, Eduard Proaspat, Daniel Lepadatu

Abstract

Cement-based construction materials, such as mortars and concretes, are frequently exposed to aggressive environments containing chloride and sulfate ions, leading to corrosion processes that significantly affect their durability and structural performance. In many cases, these degradation phenomena are intensified in industrial environments or coastal areas, where the concentration of aggressive agents is higher. In recent years, the use of nanoparticles as functional additives in cementitious materials has gained increasing attention due to their ability to enhance mechanical properties, refine microstructure, and improve resistance to aggressive environments. Owing to their nanoscale dimensions, these materials exhibit unique physicochemical properties, enabling the development of advanced composites with improved durability and potential self-healing capabilities. The aim of this study is to investigate the behavior of cement mortars incorporating nanomaterials when exposed to chloride- and sulfate-induced corrosion. Experimental analyses were performed on standard mortars with and without nanoparticle additions, including graphene nanoplatelets, nano-silicon dioxide, carbon nanofibers, and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The specimens were subjected to controlled corrosive environments using hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid solutions. The results highlight the influence of different nanomaterial additions on the corrosion resistance and mechanical performance of cement mortars. Comparative analyses, including mass variation and mechanical testing, demonstrate the potential of nanomodified mortars to mitigate degradation processes and improve long-term performance in aggressive environments. Furthermore, the experimental investigation provides a systematic assessment of the interaction between nanomaterial type and corrosion mechanisms, emphasizing the role of microstructural refinement and pore structure modification in limiting the penetration of aggressive ions. The incorporation of nanomaterials contributes to the densification of the cement matrix and improved interfacial bonding, which are critical factors in enhancing resistance to chemical attack. The findings support the development of optimized nanomodified formulations for durable cementitious materials, with direct applicability in aggressive chloride and sulfate rich environments.

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