By fine-tuning the mix of boron nitride and titanium dioxide nanoparticles, researchers have unlocked a lightweight concrete with exceptional strength and thermal stability.
Study: Effect of varying nano-boron nitride content on foamed concrete containing titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Image Credit: SNeG17/Shutterstock.com
In a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, researchers have explored the effect of varying nano-boron nitride (BN) content on foamed concrete (FC) incorporating titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. The goal was to enhance the mechanical strength, durability, and thermal efficiency of this lightweight, energy-efficient construction material, creating a more resilient and sustainable version suitable for structural and insulation applications.
The Challenge of Conventional Foamed Concrete
FC is a lightweight concrete produced by incorporating air bubbles into the mix, resulting in a material with reduced density and enhanced thermal insulation properties. In recent times, its popularity in construction has grown due to energy efficiency, versatility, and ease of use in applications such as non-load-bearing walls and insulation layers.
However, conventional FC often suffers from limited mechanical strength and durability, restricting its suitability for structural applications. Recent advancements in nanotechnology offer promising solutions. Nanoparticles such as TiO2 and BN possess high surface areas and chemical stability, which can enhance the microstructure and performance of concrete.
This research focuses on the combined use of BN and TiO2 nanoparticles to explore their synergistic effects on hydration, microstructural integrity, and mechanical behavior of FC, contributing to the development of high-performance construction materials.
Methodology: Investigating the Effects of Nanoparticles
For the study, the team investigated the effect of incorporating varying amounts of BN as a partial replacement for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in FC containing a fixed 1 % TiO2 content. Five mix designs, labeled M0 to M4, were prepared with BN concentrations ranging from 0 % to 0.1 % by weight of cement. The experimental program assessed both fresh and hardened properties, including workability, setting time, compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, water absorption, sorptivity, and thermal conductivity.
Advanced characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), were employed to examine microstructural features and pore distribution. Statistical analysis using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to evaluate the significance of BN content on the measured properties.
Key Results: Higher Strength, Lower Shrinkage, Better Thermal Performance
The outcomes showed that the optimal BN concentration was 0.075 %, which produced significant improvements in the mechanical and durability properties of FC. At this level, compressive strength increased by 44.3 % (from 3.77 MPa), splitting tensile strength by 57.1 %, and flexural strength by 52.1 % compared to the control mix without BN. These enhancements were attributed to BN nanoparticles acting as nucleation sites during hydration, promoting a denser and more uniform microstructure.
The incorporation of BN also reduced drying shrinkage by 56 %, minimizing cracking potential and improving dimensional stability. Additionally, water absorption and air permeability decreased, indicating enhanced resistance to moisture ingress and greater durability. Thermal performance improved, with thermal conductivity increasing by 7.2 % at the optimal BN concentration, a result of BN’s high intrinsic conductivity.
SEM analysis further confirmed these findings, showing a refined pore structure with smaller, evenly distributed voids and thicker pore walls. The presence of BN nanoparticles promoted the formation of a tightly interwoven calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel network, accounting for the observed gains in mechanical integrity and durability of cementitious materials.
Real-World Implications: Lightweight, Durable, and Sustainable Construction Materials
This research has clear implications for the future of construction. With improved strength, durability, and thermal performance, BN- and TiO2-modified foamed concrete becomes a strong candidate for lightweight insulation panels, partition walls, and potentially fire-resistant applications. Its enhanced thermal conductivity aligns well with modern energy efficiency standards, and the durability improvements could lead to longer-lasting buildings with lower maintenance needs.
There’s also a sustainability angle. By enabling lighter construction and extending service life, these nanomaterials can help reduce carbon emissions over a building’s lifecycle. TiO2’s photocatalytic properties may even provide self-cleaning surfaces or additional resistance to environmental wear, though that wasn’t a focus of this study.
What’s Next: Expanding the Scope of Nanoparticle-Modified Concrete
This research demonstrates that even small amounts of BN can significantly boost the performance of foamed concrete when used alongside TiO2. The results make a strong case for broader adoption of nanoparticle-enhanced materials in construction.
Future research should look at how these materials behave under real-world conditions, including freeze-thaw cycles, chemical exposure, and long-term structural loads. Exploring other nanomaterials could also help optimize performance even further.
Journal Reference
Mydin, M.O., & et al. (2025). Effect of varying nano-boron nitride content on foamed concrete containing titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Sci Rep 15, 38190. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-22018-x, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-22018-x
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