ENHANCING PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF M45 CONCRETE USING NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE (TIO₂): AN EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION

Concrete, while being the most extensively used construction material, is often limited by its inherent porosity and susceptibility to water penetration, which affect durability and long-term performance.Recent developments in nanotechnology offer effective solutions to overcome these drawbacks.This study investigates the influence of nano titanium dioxide (TiO) on the physical properties of M45 grade concrete.Nano TiO was incorporated at 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% by weight of cement, and specimens were subjected to water curing for 7, 14, and 28 days.The experimental program exclusively focused on physical parameters including workability, density, and water absorption.The results showed that nano TiO improved the compactness of the matrix and reduced porosity, thereby enhancing density and decreasing water absorption.However, excessive addition beyond the optimum percentage led to particle agglomeration, which reduced the effectiveness of improvement.The findings highlight that nano TiO, even without fiber reinforcement, significantly modifies the physical behavior of concrete and offers a sustainable approach to developing durable, high-performance construction materials.