This article presents test results of cement paste and binders with admixture of hydrophilic or hydrophobic nanosilica. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of nanosilica type and mixing method on compressive strength, porosity, and bulk density of cement paste, also on hydration heat of cement binders. The binder compounds were mixed in high speed mixer in order to provide the highest possible dispersion of nanoparticles in the binder before adding it to mixing water. Two mixing methods were studied. The admixtures increased the reactivity of cement binders. Both nanosilica types increased early compressive strength by 25% in comparison with control series. The increase in 28-day compressive strength was observed with the admixture of hydrophilic nanosilica. The differences in dynamics of binders rate of hydration and development of cement pastes compressive strength denote different reaction mechanisms of both types of nanosilica. Application of higher rotation speeds does not guarantee satisfactory mixing of the binder components. For compressive strength enhancement of cement paste prolonged mixing time occurred to be more important.
The aim of this research was to develop a composite material to be used as an elastomeric core of the artificial intervertebral disc. Two types of polyurethane composites with non-modified SiO2 and SiO2 modified NH2 group were obtained. The composites made of these materials have different filler content. The effect of modifying fillers for the structure and properties of these materials were investigated.