Inorganic and organomodified nano-montmorillonite dispersions for use as supplementary cementitious materials: A novel theory based on nanostructural studies

The compatibility of three nano-montmorillonite (nano-Mt) dispersions in hydrating cement binders was investigated and a new theory linking the nanostructure of nano-Mt dispersions to their effect on the macroscale performance of cement pastes is presented. Two aqueous organomodified nano-Mt dispersions (one dispersed with non-ionic fatty alcohol and the other with anionic alkyl aryl sulphonate) and one aqueous inorganic nano-Mt dispersion (dispersed with sodium tripolyphosphate) were characterized via TEM, XRD, SEM/EDX and TGA/DTG. With this characterization protocol, the way carbon loading and surfactants interact with the nanostructure of the nano-Mt dispersions in light of their addition in composite cements was clarified. The suggested methodology is suited for the characterization of nano-Mt and the entirely new theory developed will open up a new horizon for the understanding and exploitation of nano-Mt as a supplementary cementitious material.