Abstract
This work investigates the effects of silica fume (SF) and ZnO nanoparticles in enhancing the mechanical strength and durability of concrete. High-performance concrete specimens (w/b 0.34) were prepared, replacing cement with SF (4–16%) and combining 8% SF with ZnO (0.3–1.2%). Mechanical strengths and resistance to sulphate and chloride attack were assessed. Results identified 8% SF and 0.9% ZnO as the optimal dosage for ternary blends, yielding a 8.96% increase in compressive strength (p < 0.05) and reducing strength loss by 18.86% under sulphate exposure. Microstructural analysis (XRD and SEM-EDX) confirmed that ZnO acts as a nucleation agent, enhancing matrix densification following the initial retardation period, while SF consumes calcium hydroxide through long-term pozzolanic reactions. This synergistic interaction results in a refined, compact cementitious matrix, consistent with improved retention of mechanical performance under aggressive exposure conditions. Consequently, the optimized SF-ZnO composite offers a robust material for sustainable infrastructure in aggressive environments.
Data availability
The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study will be available from the corresponding author (Wahaj Ahmad Khan) on reasonable request.
Abbreviations
- SF:
-
Silica fume
- ZnO:
-
ZnO nanoparticles (Material source)
- ZnO:
-
ZnO (Chemical compound)
- SCM:
-
Supplementary cementitious material
- OPC:
-
Ordinary Portland cement
- C-S-H:
-
Calcium silicate hydrate
- CH:
-
Calcium hydroxide
- IST:
-
Initial setting time
- FST:
-
Final setting time
- XRD:
-
X-ray diffraction
- SEM:
-
Scanning electron microscopy
- w/b:
-
Water-to-binder ratio
- ITZ:
-
Interfacial transition zone
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Acknowledgements
The authors extend their appreciation to MRSPTU for providing infrastructural help during completion of this work. The authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Research and Graduate Studies at King Khalid University for funding this work through Large Research Project under grant number RGP2/442/46.
Funding
The authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Research and Graduate Studies at King Khalid University for funding this work through Large Research Project under grant number RGP2/442/46.
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“Mukesh Kumar: Conceptualization, Methodology, Experimental Work Supervision, Data Collection.Manjeet Bansal: Data Analysis, Software Implementation, Visualization, Results Interpretation.Bal Krishan: Validation, Formal Analysis, Technical Review of Mechanical and Durability Tests.Rishav Garg: Investigation, Material Preparation, Laboratory Supervision.Abdullah Naser M. Asiri: Critical Review, Project Guidance, Manuscript Editing.Saiful Islam: Literature Review, Statistical Interpretation, Coordination of International Collaboration.Wahaj Ahmad Khan: Writing – Review & Editing, Project Administration, Correspondence Management.”
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Kumar, M., Bansal, M., Krishan, B. et al. Simultaneous effect of ZnO nanoparticles and silica fume on the mechanical properties of the concrete. Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-43196-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-43196-2
