Decarbonization Avenue : Decarbonizing cement industry

Innovation Insights

Use of silica fume in concrete

Silica fume is a byproduct of producing silicon metal or ferrosilicon alloys. One of the most beneficial uses for silica fume is in concrete. It  consists primarily of amorphous (non-crystalline) silicon dioxide (SiO2). The individual particles are extremely small, approximately 1/100th the size of an average cement particle. 

Because of its fine particles, large surface area, and the high SiO2 content, silica fume is a very reactive pozzolan when used in concrete. The quality of silica fumes is specified by ASTM C 1240 and AASHTO M 307.

Concrete containing silica fumes can have very high compressive strength, in excess of 15,000 psi and can be very durable.

Relevant for

  • Industrial EHS professional
  • Thermodynamics & heat sciences professional

Innovation sector

  • Material sciences

Web Resources

NPCA perspectives on silica fumes as supplementary cementitious materials

01-07-2017

Source: National Precast Concrete Association

Website : Link

Innovation Category

Stakeholders

Industry


Patented micro and nano silica fumes for cement

01-06-2021

Source: Jamia Millia Islamia University, India

Website : Link

Innovation Category

Stakeholders

Industry


Elkem Microsilica products for concrete applications

Source: Elkem

Website : Link

Innovation Category

Stakeholders

Industry


Domain

Energy Efficiency

Type of innovation

Core sciences & engineering

Stakeholders

Corporate researcher

Industry

Cement