INFLUENCE OF NANO SILICA ON MECHANICAL AND DURABILITY PROPERTIES OF GEOPOLYMER CONCRETE

The growing demand for sustainable construction materials has led to increased interest in geopolymer concrete(GPC) as a potential alternative to conventional Portland cement concrete. Geopolymer concrete, primarilysynthesized from industrial by-products such as fly ash or slag, offers reduced carbon emissions and enhancedthermal and chemical resistance. This study investigates the influence of nano silica (NS) incorporation on themechanical and durability properties of geopolymer concrete. Nano silica, due to its high surface area andpozzolanic reactivity, is known to enhance the microstructure and densification of cementitious materials.Various dosages of nano silica were introduced into the geopolymer matrix to evaluate their effects oncompressive strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength, along with durability characteristics such asresistance to acid attack, water absorption, and chloride ion penetration. The results indicate that optimal nanosilica content significantly improves both mechanical performance and durability parameters, mainly throughmicrostructural refinement, improved geopolymer gel formation, and reduced porosity. This study underscoresthe potential of nano silica as an effective additive to enhance the performance and sustainability of geopolymerconcrete for advanced construction applications.