LAUSR

Abstract The current paper investigated the halloysite nanotube (HNT) effects on workability, mechanical properties, permeability and microstructure of cementitious mortar. Results indicated that HNT has significant effects on improving the properties of cementitious mortar. It increased the hydration rate of cementitious composites. Moreover, incorporation of 3 wt% HNT enhanced the compressive and flexural strength of plain mortar up to 25 and 20%, respectively. DTA-TGA test results indicated that the incorporation of HNT into mortar leads to more calcium hydroxide consumption and denser microstructure. Permeability tests results demonstrated that loading 3 wt% HNT into cementitious mortar reduces the capillary water absorption by 25% and electrical resistivity by 28%. Microstructure pore profile analysis showed that the incorporation of HNT into mortar could decrease both the size of pores and the porosity in the plain mortar. The outcomes of this research provide more insights into the application of HNT for producing more sustainable concrete structures.