ABSTRACT
Objective: The aim of this study is to review the application of titanium dioxide (TiOz) nanoparticles in concrete, highlighting their potential to enhance mechanical properties, durability, and sustainability, while reducing the environmental impact of concrete production.
Theoretical Framework: This section presents the key concepts and theories underpinning the research, emphasizing the photocatalytic properties and microstructural reinforcement provided by TiO.. These properties impart self-cleaning characteristics, increased strength, and durability to concrete, offering a solid foundation for understanding the research context.
Method: The methodology employed a systematic review using the descriptors "nanomaterials", "titanium dioxide", "concrete", and "civil construction", combined with the Boolean operator AND to select articles addressing these topics simultaneously. Data collection was conducted via the CAPES Periodicals platform.
Results and Discussion: The results revealed that TiO: significantly improves concrete's compressive, tensile, and flexural strength, while also promoting a denser microstructure resistant to chemical and weathering agents. Its photocatalytic properties further provide environmental benefits, such as air purification and self-cleaning, reducing maintenance costs.
Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, offering insights into how the findings can influence practices in TiOz-enhanced concrete applications. This innovation could revolutionize civil construction by delivering more durable, sustainable structures with lower environmental impact, particularly in urban areas.
Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by synthesizing recent evidence on TiO» advancements in materials engineering, highlighting its technical feasibility, economic and ecological benefits, and role in transitioning toward more efficient construction practices.
Keywords: Civil Construction, Concrete, Titanium Dioxide, Nanomaterials, Sustainability.
RESUMO
Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é revisar a aplicação de nanopartículas de dióxido de titânio (TiO2) no concreto, destacando seu potencial para melhorar propriedades mecánicas, durabilidade e sustentabilidade, além de reduzir o impacto ambiental da produção de concreto.
Referencial Teórico: Neste tópico, são apresentados os principais conceitos e teorias que fundamentam a pesquisa. Destacam-se as propriedades fotocatalíticas e reforço microestrutural do TiO, que conferem ao concreto características autolimpantes, maior resistência e durabilidade, fornecendo uma base sólida para a compreensão do contexto da investigação.
Método: A metodologia adotada para esta pesquisa compreende uma revisão sistemática utilizando os descritores "nanomateriais", "dióxido de titânio", "concreto" e "construção civil", combinados com o operador booleano AND, para selecionar artigos que abordassem simultaneamente esses temas. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio da plataforma Periódicos CAPES.
Resultados e Discussão: Os resultados obtidos revelaram que o TiO» melhora significativamente a resistência à compressão, tração e flexão do concreto, além de promover uma microestrutura mais densa, resistente a agentes químicos e intempéries. Suas propriedades fotocataliticas também proporcionam benefícios ambientais, como purificação do ar e autolimpeza, reduzindo custos de manutenção.
Implicações da Pesquisa: As implicações práticas e teóricas desta pesquisa são discutidas, fornecendo insights sobre como os resultados podem ser aplicados ou influenciar práticas no campo da incorporação de TiOz no concreto, o que pode revolucionar a construção civil, oferecendo estruturas mais duráveis, sustentáveis e com menor impacto ambiental, especialmente em áreas urbanas.
Originalidade/Valor: Este estudo contribui para a literatura ao sintetizar evidências recentes sobre os avanços do TiO: na engenharia de materiais, destacando sua viabilidade técnica e benefícios económicos e ecológicos, além de contribuir para a transição para construções mais eficientes.
Palavras-chave: Construção Civil, Concreto, Dióxido de Titânio, Nanomateriais, Sustentabilidade.
RESUMEN
Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es revisar la aplicación de nanopartículas de dióxido de titanio (TiO) en el hormigón, destacando su potencial para mejorar las propiedades mecánicas, durabilidad y sostenibilidad, además de reducir el impacto ambiental de la producción de hormigón.
Marco Teórico: En este apartado se presentan los principales conceptos y teorías que fundamentan la investigación. Se destacan las propiedades fotocataliticas y el refuerzo microestructural del TiOz, que confieren al hormigón características autolimpiantes, mayor resistencia y durabilidad, proporcionando una base sólida para la comprensión del contexto de la investigación.
Método: La metodología adoptada para esta investigación comprende una revisión sistemática utilizando los descriptores "nanomateriales", "dióxido de titanio", "hormigón" y "construcción civil", combinados con el operador booleano AND, para seleccionar artículos que abordaran simultáneamente estos temas. La recolección de datos se realizó mediante la plataforma Periódicos CAPES.
Resultados y Discusión: Los resultados obtenidos revelaron que el TiO: mejora significativamente la resistencia a compresión, tracción y flexión del hormigón, además de promover una microestructura más densa, resistente a agentes químicos e inclemencias climáticas. Sus propiedades fotocatalíticas también proporcionan beneficios ambientales, como purificación del aire y autolimpieza, reduciendo costos de mantenimiento.
Implicaciones de la Investigación: Se discuten las implicaciones prácticas y teóricas de esta investigación, proporcionando insights sobre cómo los resultados pueden aplicarse o influir en prácticas relacionadas con la incorporación de TiO: en el hormigón, lo que podría revolucionar la construcción civil, ofreciendo estructuras más duraderas, sostenibles y con menor impacto ambiental, especialmente en áreas urbanas.
Originalidad/Valor: Este estudio contribuye a la literatura al sintetizar evidencia reciente sobre los avances del TiO: en la ingeniería de materiales, destacando su viabilidad técnica, beneficios económicos y ecológicos, además de contribuir a la transición hacia construcciones más eficientes.
Palabras clave: Construcción Civil, Hormigón, Dióxido de Titanio, Nanomateriales, Sostenibilidad.
1 INTRODUCTION
Concrete, as the most widely used construction material in the world, stands out for its versatility and remarkable performance, attributed to a variety of advantageous characteristics, such as high compressive strength, accessibility, ease of preparation, compatibility with steel, and adaptability to different shapes (Saleem, Zaidi, & Alnuaimi, 2021). However, as the demands of the construction industry increase, concerns about the environmental impact of concrete production also grow, especially due to the significant CO2 emissions from cement manufacturing, given that approximately 5-8% of the world's anthropogenic CO 2 emissions originate from the cement manufacturing process (Tran, Satomi, & Takahashi, 2018; Mohamad et al., 2020).
In this challenging context, characterized by the growing demand for technologically advanced materials and increasing environmental concerns, improving the durability and mechanical properties of concrete has become a major focus of civil engineering research (Bautista-Gutierrez et al., 2019). Consequently, nanomaterials, especially titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, have gained prominence as a viable alternative for enhancing concrete technology, since they enhance its mechanical properties, while also introducing innovative properties. These improvements include reduced porosity, increased frost resistance, electrical conductivity, self-healing capabilities, and self-cleaning functionalities (Han, et al., 2019; Raki et al, 2010).
Due to their ultrafine size and high surface area, nanoparticles significantly influence the hydration process, leading to the formation of a denser microstructure, that improves mechanical strength, resistance to environmental degradation, and durability (Bica & Melo, 2020; Li et а!., 2019). The unique properties of nanomaterials, including high dielectric constants, electrical resistivity, and optical transparency, have expanded their applications beyond cosmetics and paints to the construction industry, where they enhance the self-cleaning and air purification capabilities of concrete (Souza Filho, 2017).
TiO: nanoparticles have photocatalytic properties that become activated in the presence of UV radiation. These properties not only enable the degradation of pollutants such as NOx, but also confer antibacterial and self-cleaning abilities to concrete surfaces, thereby extending structural lifespan and reducing maintenance costs (Gopalan et al., 2020; Binas et al., 2017). In response to increasing environmental regulations and the need for greener building materials, research on the integration of TiOz nanoparticles into concrete has intensified, with the aim to develop more sustainable, durable and high-performance materials (Saleem et al., 2021).
2 METHODOLOGY
This study aima to investigate the application of nanomaterials, especially titanium dioxide, in concrete applied to civil construction. To this end, it used the methodology proposed by Galvao and Pereira (2014), in which the methods for developing systematic reviews include: elaboration of the research question; literature search; selection of articles; data extraction; assessment of methodological quality; data synthesis (meta-analysis); assessment of the quality of evidence; and writing and publication of the results, as illustrated in figure 01.
A search for available studies was conducted using the descriptors "nanomaterials", "titanium dioxide", "concrete" and "civil construction", all combined with the Boolean operator "AND", to ensure that the selected articles simultaneously addressed these concepts.
The search was conducted on the CAPES Periodicals platform, which offers access to a vast number of scientific and academic journals. Articles published between 2014 and 2024 were considered to incorporate current research aligned with recent technological advancements. The selection of publishers was rigorous, with only articles published by reputable publishers such as Elsevier BV, IOP Publishing, American Chemical Society, ICE Publishing and the Brazilian Concrete Institute being included.
The article selection process employed a rigorous three-stage protocol. First, the titles and abstracts of the articles were read, with the aim of identifying those that, at first glance, were relevant to the scope of the review. Subsequently, full texts of the pre-selected studies were then analyzed in detail. Finally, the previously defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, excluding duplicate articles or articles that did not meet the study specifications, such as articles that were not peer-reviewed or that did not address the use of titanium dioxide in concrete, and a literature review, as ilustrated in Figure 02.
Following the final article selection, data were systematically extractedand analyzed. Key Information was collected on the characteristics of the nanomaterials used, the application methodology in concrete, and the results obtained in terms of mechanical performance, durability, and sustainability of the materials analyzed. The analysis also included the practical implications of these results for the construction sector, exploring the potential application of nanomaterials in enhancing concrete properties and contribute to more sustainable construction practices.
The findings were summarized in Table 1 based on the evidence presented in the selected studies, enabling a comprehensive analysis of the impacts of titanium dioxide's effect as an additive in concrete. The analysis identified benefits such as increased mechanical strength and durability of concrete, in addition to better performance in adverse environmental conditions. Furthermore, the study identified key limitations in current research and highlighted knowledge gaps requiring further investigation.
3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
The integration of nanomaterials has transformed construction materials science by significantly enhancing mechanical properties, microstructural characteristics, and durability performance of cementitious composites. These improvements manifest in increased compressive, tensile, and flexural strength, along with enhanced resistance to aggressive environments. A key advantage of nanoparticle incorporation lies in their profound influence on the hydration process. Specifically, titanium dioxide (TiOz) nanoparticles demonstrate porefilling capability, cement hydration acceleration, and improved cement matrix interaction, collectively contributing to the development of higher-performance, more durable construction materials.
The cement hydration process, involving the formation of calcium silicate hydrate (CS-H) gel and calcium hydroxide crystals, plays a critical role in determining concrete's strength and durability. Owing to their high surface area-to-volume ratio, nanoparticles serve as effective nucleation sites, promoting the development of a denser, more homogeneous microstructure (Devasena & Sangeetha, 2021). This microstructural refinement enhances concrete performance, as evidenced by the results presented in Table 1.
Recent studies demonstrate TiO: nanoparticles' significant potential for enhancing concrete mechanical properties through microstructural optimization. Orakzai (2021) reported synergistic effects of nano-alumina/TiO: blends, achieving a 42% increase in compressive strength alongside proportional improvements in tensile and flexural capacities, attributed to porosity reduction and microstructure refinement. Hu ег al. (2023) further established that silica-coated TiO: nanoparticles enhance early-age strength development, yielding >20% compressive strength gain after just 3 days' curing through improved particle dispersion and hydration kinetics.
The benefits extend to geopolymer systems, where Krishna Sastry et al. (2021) documented 5% TiO: incorporation in fly-ash geopolymers simultaneously improved: Compressive strength (38% vs control); Chloride penetration resistance (52%); Sulfate attack mitigation. Particle size effects were quantitatively demonstrated by Maiti et al. (2020), showing 30 nm TiO: nanoparticles outperformed larger variants by: Increasing cementitious matrix density (15% porosity reduction); Delivering 28% higher compressive strength; Enhancing tensile capacity (22%).
These collective findings establish TiO: nanoparticles as a versatile additive for developing high-performance, durable cementitious materials across conventional and geopolymer concrete systems. Reducing porosity is one of the most discussed improvements when using nanomaterials to improve concrete properties. In this context, Reshma et al. (2021) investigated the combined use of ZnO and TiO>, with and without polypropylene fibers, and concluded that this combination significantly reduced porosity and increased concrete density, resulting in greater durability and resistance to chemical attacks. Furthermore, Maiti et al. (2020) confirmed that the addition of TiO: to geopolymers promoted a reduction in permeability to chloride and sulfate ions, increasing the durability of these materials.
A pioneering study by Saleh et al. (2018) demonstrated that the addition of TiO: nanoparticles and silica to powder-based mixtures in cement kiln (CKD) increased the compressive strength of the materials by four times. This improvement was accompanied by a reduction in porosity, which increased the stability and resistance of the materials to chemical attacks and adverse environmental conditions. Zheng et al. (2016), in turn, investigated the thermal stability of TiOz-coated geopolymers, demonstrating that these materials maintain their structural integrity up to temperatures of 800°C, making them suitable for applications in hightemperature environments.
However, the dosage of nanoparticles must be carefully optimized. Although small amounts of TiO: (approximately 1%) improve strength and durability, higher concentrations can have a detrimental effect, resulting in reduced workability and increased brittleness (Sun et al., 2020). Therefore, finding the ideal balance between nanoparticle concentration and concrete performance is essential to maximize the benefits of concrete enhanced with these nanomaterials.
The photocatalytic activity of TiO: plays a significant role in air purification by decomposing harmful substances such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) into less toxic compounds (Ballari & Brouwers, 2013). In urban environments, where air pollution is a major concern, the use of concrete with TiO: can contribute to improving air quality Januszkiewicz and Kowalski (2019). In this context, Rineesha and Jose (2023) demonstrated that the partial replacement of cement with TiO: in high-strength concrete allows a significant increase in mechanical strength and provided self-cleaning and air pollutant degradation effects, highlighting the relevance of TiOz in sustainable constructions in urban areas.
In addition to the mechanical and environmental benefits, the application of TiO: nanoparticles in concrete also contributes to the development of more sustainable construction materials. By improving the longevity and durability of concrete structures, the frequency of repairs and replacements is reduced, which minimizes the consumption of raw materials and energy. This is in line with global efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of the construction industry (Adesina, 2020).
5 CONCLUSIONS
The use of TiO: nanomaterials in concrete production has shown potential to improve the performance and sustainability of these structures. By incorporating the nanoparticles into concrete, mechanical strength, durability, and environmental resilience are enhanced, in addition to providing innovative features such as self-cleaning and air purification. However, the dosage and distribution of the nanoparticles must be carefully controlled to avoid potential drawbacks such as reduced workability or increased brittleness. As the construction industry continues to seek greener and more efficient building materials, the incorporation of nanotechnology into concrete production presents significant potential for future advancements. Furthermore, these materials contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint and improving the durability of structures, thus promoting a more efficient and responsible approach to the development of building materials.
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Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study is to review the application of titanium dioxide (TiOz) nanoparticles in concrete, highlighting their potential to enhance mechanical properties, durability, and sustainability, while reducing the environmental impact of concrete production. Theoretical Framework: This section presents the key concepts and theories underpinning the research, emphasizing the photocatalytic properties and microstructural reinforcement provided by TiO.. These properties impart self-cleaning characteristics, increased strength, and durability to concrete, offering a solid foundation for understanding the research context. Method: The methodology employed a systematic review using the descriptors "nanomaterials", "titanium dioxide", "concrete", and "civil construction", combined with the Boolean operator AND to select articles addressing these topics simultaneously. Data collection was conducted via the CAPES Periodicals platform. Results and Discussion: The results revealed that TiO: significantly improves concrete's compressive, tensile, and flexural strength, while also promoting a denser microstructure resistant to chemical and weathering agents. Its photocatalytic properties further provide environmental benefits, such as air purification and self-cleaning, reducing maintenance costs. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, offering insights into how the findings can influence practices in TiOz-enhanced concrete applications. This innovation could revolutionize civil construction by delivering more durable, sustainable structures with lower environmental impact, particularly in urban areas. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by synthesizing recent evidence on TiO» advancements in materials engineering, highlighting its technical feasibility, economic and ecological benefits, and role in transitioning toward more efficient construction practices.