Use of Industrial Byproducts and Nanomaterials in Developing Sustainable Cement Concrete: A Review

Nanomaterials, such as nano-silica, nano-titanium dioxide, nano-alumina, nano-iron oxide, nano-calcium carbonate, and nano-clay have gained attention for their potential to enhance the properties of concrete, such as compressive strength, durability, and resistance to environmental degradation. The nanomaterials interact at the micro-level, modifying the concrete matrix and enhancing its overall performance. In combination with industrial byproducts, such as fly ash, blast furnace slag, and silica fume, and others, nanomaterials foster the development of green concrete. This approach not only improves concrete performance but also helps in reducing greenhouse gas emission and the conservation of natural resources. This review examines the influence of nanomaterials on the performance of concrete incorporating industrial byproducts. The concomitant effect of nanomaterials and industrial byproducts on the key properties, such as workability, mechanical properties, and durability of concrete are reviewed. Furthermore, the optimal composition, potential benefits, life cycle cost analysis, reduction in CO₂ emission, challenges in scaling up nanomaterials, and real-world applications are discussed.