<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><!DOCTYPE article  PUBLIC "-//NLM//DTD Journal Publishing DTD v3.0 20080202//EN" "http://dtd.nlm.nih.gov/publishing/3.0/journalpublishing3.dtd"><article xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" dtd-version="3.0" xml:lang="en" article-type="research article"><front><journal-meta><journal-id journal-id-type="publisher-id">MSA</journal-id><journal-title-group><journal-title>Materials Sciences and Applications</journal-title></journal-title-group><issn pub-type="epub">2153-117X</issn><publisher><publisher-name>Scientific Research Publishing</publisher-name></publisher></journal-meta><article-meta><article-id pub-id-type="doi">10.4236/msa.2021.126020</article-id><article-id pub-id-type="publisher-id">MSA-110288</article-id><article-categories><subj-group subj-group-type="heading"><subject>Articles</subject></subj-group><subj-group subj-group-type="Discipline-v2"><subject>Chemistry&amp;Materials Science</subject></subj-group></article-categories><title-group><article-title>
 
 
  Changing Mechanicals Characteristiques of Cementitious Materials Using Titanium Dioxide
 
</article-title></title-group><contrib-group><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Valéry</surname><given-names>Kouandété Doko</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1"><sup>1</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Sena</surname><given-names>Peace Hounkpe</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff2"><sup>2</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Smith</surname><given-names>Oyebissi Kotchoni</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff3"><sup>3</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Li</surname><given-names>Hui</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff3"><sup>3</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Abbas</surname><given-names>Tiambo Datchossa</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1"><sup>1</sup></xref><xref ref-type="corresp" rid="cor1"><sup>*</sup></xref></contrib></contrib-group><aff id="aff3"><addr-line>Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China</addr-line></aff><aff id="aff1"><addr-line>Laboratory of Applied Energetics and Mechanics (LAEM), EPAC, UAC, Cotonou, Benin</addr-line></aff><aff id="aff2"><addr-line>Loboratory of Water Technical Sciences, UAC, Cotonou, Benin</addr-line></aff><pub-date pub-type="epub"><day>18</day><month>06</month><year>2021</year></pub-date><volume>12</volume><issue>06</issue><fpage>297</fpage><lpage>313</lpage><history><date date-type="received"><day>19,</day>	<month>March</month>	<year>2021</year></date><date date-type="rev-recd"><day>27,</day>	<month>June</month>	<year>2021</year>	</date><date date-type="accepted"><day>30,</day>	<month>June</month>	<year>2021</year></date></history><permissions><copyright-statement>&#169; Copyright  2014 by authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc. </copyright-statement><copyright-year>2014</copyright-year><license><license-p>This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY). http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</license-p></license></permissions><abstract><p>
 
 
  Since many years ago, the substitution of cement by other cementitious supplementary elements has being a purpose for many researchers. This is to reduce the impact of producing cement on our environment. In this article, we are interested in the possibility of substituting cement with titanium dioxide and titanium dioxide + fly ash. To achieve this purpose, we have manufactured mortars and cement pastes specimens with different rates of replacement of cement by titanium dioxide (0%, 0.1%, 1%) on the one hand and titanium dioxide + fly ash on the overhand. The flexural and compressive strength of each specimen has been determined.
 
</p></abstract><kwd-group><kwd>Silicates</kwd><kwd> Flexural Strength</kwd><kwd> Compressive Strength</kwd><kwd> Cement</kwd><kwd> Titanium Dioxide</kwd></kwd-group></article-meta></front><body><sec id="s1"><title>1. Introduction</title><p>Cement can be described as a crystalline compound of calcium silicates and other calcium compounds having hydraulic properties [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref1">1</xref>]. The four major compounds that constitute cement (Bogue’s Compounds) are Tricalcium silicate, abbreviated as C<sub>3</sub>S, Dicalcium silicate (C<sub>2</sub>S), Tricalcium aluminate (C<sub>3</sub>A), Tetracalcium aluminoferrite (C<sub>4</sub>AF) where C stands for CaO, S stands for SiO<sub>2</sub>, A stands for Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> and F for Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref2">2</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref3">3</xref>]. Cement is the main constituent of the concrete, the widely used in structures, from buildings to factories, from bridges to airports. This makes concrete to be one of the most investigated materials of the 21st century.</p><p>The increased use of cement is essential in attaining a higher compressive strength. But, cement is a major source of pollution [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref4">4</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref5">5</xref>]; It is for this reason that several authors have been interested in finding new materials to limit the use of cement [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref6">6</xref>]. It is in this sense that [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref7">7</xref>] designed concrete based on volcanic ash and found mechanical properties similar to those of ordinary cement concrete.</p><p>At the same time, nanomaterials are showing their interest, with a large number of researchers looking to them as an alternative.</p><p>Moreover, Hossain and al. have shown that the use of nanomaterials by replacement of a proportion of cement can lead to a rise in the compressive strength by developing supplementary chemical reactions [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref8">8</xref>] of the concrete as well as a check to pollution.</p><p>In this article, we are interested in improving the crack resistance, improving the mechanical properties of concrete using titanium dioxide and fly ash.</p></sec><sec id="s2"><title>2. Materials and Methods</title><sec id="s2_1"><title>2.1. Materials</title><sec id="s2_1_1"><title>2.1.1. General</title><p>This chapter is concerned with the details of the properties of the materials used, the method followed to design the experiment and the test procedures followed. The theory is supplemented with a number of pictures to have a clear idea of the methods.</p></sec><sec id="s2_1_2"><title>2.1.2. Materials Properties</title><p>The materials used to design the mix for C<sub>30</sub>, C<sub>40</sub>, grade of concrete is cement, fly ash grade II, sand, coarse aggregate, water, and Titanium dioxide (TiO<sub>2</sub>) admixture. The properties of these materials are presented below.</p></sec><sec id="s2_1_3"><title>2.1.3. Properties of Cement</title><p>Ordinary Portland cement (Chinese Standard GB 8076-2008) Classified as 42.5R was applied in This Study. Chemical Composition, Mineral Composition, as well as Physical Performance of the cement, are shown in <xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">Table 1</xref>. The contents of oxides were measured Through X-Ray Fluorescence. The Content of F-Cao was analyzed by the Franke Method. The mineral phases were calculated by The Bogue Method.</p></sec><sec id="s2_1_4"><title>2.1.4. Fly Ash</title><p>The disposal of fly ash poses increasingly difficult problems for many urbanized regions. A viable solution to the problem is reclamation of Fly ash for Civil Engineering applications. Previous researchers showed that fly ash is a potential source of construction material and soil stabilizer. Although it is one of the lowest</p><table-wrap id="table1" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">Table 1</xref></label><caption><title> Chemical and mineral compositions of cement (Wt/%)</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="9"  >Chemical Composition (%)</th><th align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="5"  >Mineral Composition (%)</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >SiO<sub>2</sub></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >Cao</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >MgO</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >SO<sub>3</sub></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >FcaO</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >Cl<sup>−</sup></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >Na<sub>2</sub>Oeq</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >LOSS</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >C<sub>3</sub>S</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >C<sub>2</sub>S</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >C<sub>3</sub>A</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >C<sub>4</sub>AF</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >20.560</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >3.230</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >4.600</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >62.560</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.570</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.950</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.870</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.011</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.530</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.040</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >57.340</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >18.900</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >6.470</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11.250</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><p>cost and most widely used materials in the world, cement raises many concerns for the environment and human health. Many studies have been conducted with the aim of reducing the cost of cement for soil stabilization; one option is to partially replace cement with waste materials such as fly ash. In this study, we used fly ash grade II.</p></sec><sec id="s2_1_5"><title>2.1.5. Properties of Water</title><p>Tap water was used in this experiment. The properties are assumed to be same as that of normal water. Specific gravity is taken as 1.00. Pure water (deionized water) was used to make mortar specimen and cement paste.</p></sec><sec id="s2_1_6"><title>2.1.6. Properties of Titanium Oxide, Anatase</title><p>The average size of Titanium Oxide was 25 nm with 99.8% metals basis from Particle Size Analyzer.</p></sec><sec id="s2_1_7"><title>2.1.7. Properties of Cement Paste and Mortar</title><p>Cement paste and mortar are prepared with a water/cement ratio (w/c) of 0.32, using a blade-type high shear blender. Before mixing, polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PCE) solution was prepared with deionized water. With the addition of polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PCE) solution dosage 0.3% b.w.c., Cement paste was mixed for 2 min at low speed and then 2 min at high speed. The table below showed the proportion and quantities of material used by following Chinese standard.</p></sec></sec><sec id="s2_2"><title>2.2. Methods</title><sec id="s2_2_1"><title>2.2.1. Mix Calculations for Cement Paste</title><p>The design of each mix began with constant paste content (water + cement + supplementary cementitious materials) of 0.32 by weight of the total mix. The weight of cement and water were adjusted based on the specified water to binder ratio. The remainder of the mixture consisted of sand. Superplasticizer and air entraining agent were added based on experience and trial mixing prior to beginning the test program. <xref ref-type="table" rid="table2">Table 2</xref>, <xref ref-type="table" rid="table3">Table 3</xref> below detail the actual weights of the mixture components.</p></sec><sec id="s2_2_2"><title>2.2.2. Mix Calculations for Mortar</title><p>The design of each mix began with constant paste content (water + cement + supplementary cementitious materials) of 0.32 by weight of the total mix. The</p><table-wrap id="table2" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table2">Table 2</xref></label><caption><title> Mixture proportions with W/C ratio 0.32 for cement paste without fly ash</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="2"  >Cement Paste type</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >water (g)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Cement (g)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Titanium dioxide TiO<sub>2</sub></th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Water reducing agent (g)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Test pieces</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Pure Cement Paste</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >PO</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1664</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5200</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5.4</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >12</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  rowspan="2"  >Nano Titanium dioxide TiO<sub>2</sub></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >T01</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1664</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5200</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5.2</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5.4</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >12</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1664</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5200</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >52</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5.4</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >12</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="2"  >Total dosage</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >4992</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >15,600</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >57.2</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >16.2</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >36</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><table-wrap id="table3" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table3">Table 3</xref></label><caption><title> Mixture proportions with W/C ratio 0.32 for cement paste content fly ash</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="2"  >Cement Paste type</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >water (g)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Cement (g)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Fly Ash</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >TiO<sub>2</sub></th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Water reducing agent (g)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Test pieces</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Pure Cement Paste</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >P0</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1664</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >4160</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1040</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5.4</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >12</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  rowspan="2"  >Nano Titanium dioxide TiO<sub>2</sub></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >T01</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1664</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >4160</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1040</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5.2</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5.4</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >12</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1664</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >4160</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1040</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >52</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5.4</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >12</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="2"  >Total dosage</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >4992</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >12,480</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >3120</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >57.2</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >16.2</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >36</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><p>weight of cement and water was adjusted based on the specified water to binder ratio. The remainder of the mixture consisted of sand. Superplasticizer and air entraining agent were added based on experience and trial mixing prior to beginning the test program. <xref ref-type="table" rid="table4">Table 4</xref>, <xref ref-type="table" rid="table5">Table 5</xref> below detail the actual weights of the mixture components.</p></sec><sec id="s2_2_3"><title>2.2.3. Test Procedures</title><p>Curing Regimens</p><p>The specimens remained in their molds for 24 hours at room temperature, 25˚C. The Specimens tested were generally curing with air cured at 25˚C and RH 92% for 3 days, 7 days and 28 days.</p></sec><sec id="s2_2_4"><title>2.2.4. Testing</title><p>Testing procedures used to evaluate compressive strength, flexural strength and interatomic behaviors between cement and titanium dioxide are presented in this section.</p></sec><sec id="s2_2_5"><title>2.2.5. SEM Test</title><p>Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) test is performed by technical experts, and thus it is not explained here and only the results are presented in the result and discussion section.</p></sec><sec id="s2_2_6"><title>2.2.6. Flexural Strength Test for Mortar and Cement Paste</title><p>Flexural testing machine Reference number YAW-300 was used. Flexural strength was evaluated according to Chinese standard with the software Super Test version 8 and the load rate was 50 N/s. Prismatic specimens with dimensions of 40 mm &#215; 40 mm &#215; 160 mm were loaded using a third point loading setup across their strong axis. Three specimens from each batch were tested at an age of 3, 7, and 28 days and the mean Flexural strength of three specimens is considered as the Flexural strength of the specified category.</p></sec><sec id="s2_2_7"><title>2.2.7. Compressive Strength Test for Mortar and Cement Paste</title><p>Compressive testing machine Reference number YAW-300 was used after 3, 7, and 28 days of curing with surface dried condition as per Chinese Standard. The compressive strength of specimens is determined with the software Super Test version 8 and the load rate was 2.4 KN/s. Three specimens are tested for typical category and the mean compressive strength of three specimens is considered as the compressive strength of the specified category.</p><table-wrap id="table4" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table4">Table 4</xref></label><caption><title> Mixture proportions with W/C ratio 0.32 for mortar discontent fly ash</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="2"  >Mortar type</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Water (g)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Cement (g)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Sand (g)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >TiO<sub>2</sub></th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Water reducing agent (g)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Test pieces</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Pure Mortar</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >PO</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >576</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1800</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5400</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >None</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5.4</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >12</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  rowspan="2"  >Nano Titanium dioxide TiO<sub>2</sub></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >T01</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >576</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1800</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5400</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.8</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5.4</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >12</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >576</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1800</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5400</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >18</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5.4</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >12</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="2"  >Total dosage</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1728</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5400</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >16,200</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >19.8</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >16.2</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >36</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><table-wrap id="table5" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table5">Table 5</xref></label><caption><title> Mixture proportions with W/C ratio 0.32 for mortar content fly ash</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="2"   rowspan="2"  >Mortar type</th><th align="center" valign="middle"  rowspan="2"  >Water (g)</th><th align="center" valign="middle"  rowspan="2"  >Cement (g)</th><th align="center" valign="middle"  rowspan="2"  >Fly Ash (g)</th><th align="center" valign="middle"  rowspan="2"  >Sand (g)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >TiO<sub>2</sub></th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Water reducing</th><th align="center" valign="middle"  rowspan="2"  >Test pieces</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >(g)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >agent (g)</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Pure Mortar</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >PO</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >576</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1440</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >360</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5400</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >None</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5.4</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >12</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  rowspan="2"  >Nano Titanium dioxide TiO<sub>2</sub></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >T01</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >576</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1440</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >360</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5400</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.8</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5.4</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >12</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >576</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1440</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >360</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5400</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >18</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5.4</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >12</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="2"  >Total dosage</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1728</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >4320</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1080</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >16,200</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >19.8</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >16.2</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >36</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap></sec></sec></sec><sec id="s3"><title>3. Presentation of Results and Analysis</title><p>This chapter is concerned with the presentation of results of the experiments carried out towards the objective of the article.</p><sec id="s3_1"><title>3.1. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Images and EDS Results</title><p>Take a small piece of the sample to after full salt soaked in ethanol termination of hydration, then 50˚C drying in the oven for 24 h. The surface morphology and element distribution of cement were analyzed by SEM and EDS energy spectrum analysis. Through SEM, it can be seen that the surface morphology of the sample is shown in <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig1">Figure 1</xref> and <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig2">Figure 2</xref> after substituting cement by different sizes of Nano-materials in the case of an investigation.</p><sec id="s3_1_1"><title>3.1.1. Comparison of SEM Micrographs</title><p><xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig1">Figure 1</xref> shows the FESEM micrograph of control mortar specimen. In this figure, it can be clearly seen that the C-S-H gel is distributed with lots of empty spaces between the lumps. The lumps can be Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub> which declines the Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ) [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref9">9</xref>]. The microstructure looks to contain mainly formless substances.</p><p><xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig2">Figure 2</xref> shows the FESEM micrograph of the mortar specimen with Titanium Dioxide 0.1% b.w.c. A uniform microstructure with very little void can be seen. The absence of Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub> crystals indicates that CNT has reacted with Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub> [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref10">10</xref>] and converted it into C-S-H gel [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref11">11</xref>].</p></sec><sec id="s3_1_2"><title>3.1.2. Comparison of Chemical Composition of the Specimen</title><p><xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig3">Figure 3</xref> and <xref ref-type="table" rid="table6">Table 6</xref> show the comparative chemical arrangement of mortar specimen deprived of Titanium Dioxide. High concentration of calcium is due to the formation of Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub> crystals which declines the ITZ [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref9">9</xref>].</p><table-wrap id="table6" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table6">Table 6</xref></label><caption><title> Relative smart quant results for control specimen</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >Element</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Weight (%)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Atomic (%)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Net Int.</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Error (%)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >K ratio</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Z</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >A</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >F</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >O K</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >42.65</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >56.97</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >289.36</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9.26</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.1162</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.0578</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.2576</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.0000</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >NaK</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11.16</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >10.37</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >102.86</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >10.70</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.0272</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.9703</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.2505</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.0014</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >AlK</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11.52</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9.13</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >251.72</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >7.92</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.0465</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.9552</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.4215</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.0035</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >SiK</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >29.13</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >22.17</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >718.44</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >7.08</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.1239</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.9784</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.4344</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.0011</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >CaK</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.35</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.72</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >37.36</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9.89</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.0101</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.9339</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.7916</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.0164</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >FeK</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.51</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.20</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >12.86</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >24.39</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.0047</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.8423</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.9891</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.1015</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >CoK</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.15</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.05</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >3.48</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >35.73</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.0014</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.8248</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.9992</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.1310</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >PtL</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >3.54</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.39</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >22.05</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >19.71</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.0254</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.6380</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.1118</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.0117</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><p><xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig4">Figure 4</xref> shows the relative chemical composition of the concrete specimen with NS 0.6% b.w.c. This figure looks contradicting due to the high percentage of silica and a low percentage of calcium. A good percentage of oxides can be due to the reaction of silica with Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub> which produces C-S-H gel [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref11">11</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref12">12</xref>] (<xref ref-type="table" rid="table7">Table 7</xref>).</p></sec></sec><sec id="s3_2"><title>3.2. Comparison Results and Analysis of Mechanical Test</title><p>The change in compressive strength and flexural strength for the blended sample (in %) for 3, 7 and 28 days is shown respectively in the Tablebelow. A graphical representation of this result is shown respectively in <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig5">Figure 5</xref> below.</p><p>Tables 8-10 show a better increase of compressive strength when we use T01 (without Fly Ash). These observations may be explained by the lower activity factor of T1 [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref13">13</xref>]. In fact, the reaction of amorphous silica and alumina phases with Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub> leads to the formation of more CSH [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref11">11</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref14">14</xref>]. Contrary to compressive strength, we have a loss of flexural strength when we use either T01 or T1 (without Fly Ash). This agrees with the general trend in the literature. In fact concrete is much stronger in compression than it is in tension [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref15">15</xref>].</p><p>The diagrams Figures 5-7 show the real evolution of the mortar compressive strength.</p><p><xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig8">Figure 8</xref> shows that from 3 days to 28 days, the Mortar compressive strenght evolution curve when we use T01 is up all the overs. Then, the appropriate rate of substitution of cement by Titanium Dioxide Nanotube to increase the Mortar compressive strength (without fly ash) is the T01.</p><p>Tables 11-13 show the best increase of compressive strength when we use T01 (with Fly Ash). These observations may be explained by the lower activity factor of [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref13">13</xref>]. In fact, the reaction of amorphous silica and alumina phases with Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub> leads to the formation of more CSH [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref11">11</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref14">14</xref>].</p><p>It is noticed that all the fly ash samples present lower mechanical properties than the discontent fly ash samples. These results are obviously due to a lesser amount of cement in all mixes containing both fly ash and carbon nanotubes [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref11">11</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref12">12</xref>].</p><table-wrap id="table7" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table7">Table 7</xref></label><caption><title> Relative smart quant results for the titanium dioxide specimen</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >Element</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Weight (%)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Atomic (%)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Net Int.</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Error (%)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >K ratio</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Z</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >A</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >F</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >O K</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >20.10</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >40.19</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >31.24</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >14.88</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.0220</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.1301</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.0969</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.0000</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >MgK</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.08</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.42</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >7.67</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >24.95</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.0027</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.0618</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.2374</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.0013</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >AlK</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8.67</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >10.28</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >91.83</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9.78</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.0304</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.0259</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.3415</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.0021</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >SiK</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >4.44</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5.06</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >60.12</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11.26</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.0186</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.0517</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.3982</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.0032</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >K K</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.39</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.32</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >7.07</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >34.85</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.0030</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.9878</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.7610</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.0317</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >CaK</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >40.22</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >32.11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >687.10</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >3.34</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.3380</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.0082</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.8244</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.0109</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >TiK</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.99</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.66</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >13.36</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >20.53</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.0065</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.9181</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.6966</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.0236</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >FeK</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >14.69</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8.41</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >185.25</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >4.15</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.1228</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.9126</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.8828</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.0376</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >PtL</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9.42</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.54</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >32.69</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >17.90</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.0684</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.6951</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.0517</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.9933</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><table-wrap id="table8" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table8">Table 8</xref></label><caption><title> Comparison mechanical strength of mortar specimen without fly ash at 3-day test</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >Type</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Flexural</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Increase in Strength (%)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Compressive</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Increase in Strength (%)</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >PO</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8.4</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >-</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >38.26</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >-</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T01</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >6.9</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >−17.85</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >44.45</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >16.19</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >6.27</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >−25.36</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >40.18</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5.03</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><table-wrap id="table9" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table9">Table 9</xref></label><caption><title> Comparison mechanical strength of mortar specimen without fly ash at 7-day test</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >Type</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Flexural</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Increase in Strength (%)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Compressive</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Increase in Strength (%)</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >PO</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9.67</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >-</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >40.94</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >-</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T01</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8.1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >−16.23</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >48.45</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >18.34</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >7.37</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >−23.78</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >44.6</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8.94</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><table-wrap id="table10" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">Table 1</xref>0</label><caption><title> Comparison mechanical strength of mortar specimen without fly ash at 28-day test</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >Type</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Flexural</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Increase in Strength (%)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Compressive</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Increase in Strength (%)</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >PO</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >10.1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >-</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >59.55</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >-</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T01</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >10.8</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >6.93</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >64.3</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >7.98</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9.6</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >−4.95</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >61.6</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >3.44</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><table-wrap id="table11" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">Table 1</xref>1</label><caption><title> Comparison mechanical strength of mortar specimen with fly ash at 3-day test</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >Type</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Flexural</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Increase in Strength (%)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Compressive</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Increase in Strength (%)</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >PO</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >6.4</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >-</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >28.38</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >-</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T01</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >6.03</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >−5.78</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >33.17</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >16.88</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5.97</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >−6.72</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >29.99</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5.66</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><table-wrap id="table12" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">Table 1</xref>2</label><caption><title> Comparison mechanical strength of mortar specimen with fly ash at 7-day test</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >Type</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Flexural</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Increase in Strength (%)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Compressive</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Increase in Strength (%)</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >PO</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >7.53</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >-</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >31.98</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >-</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T01</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >7.43</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >−1.33</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >37.85</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >18.36</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >7.36</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >−2.26</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >34.84</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8.96</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><table-wrap id="table13" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">Table 1</xref>3</label><caption><title> Comparison mechanical strength of mortar specimen with fly ash at 28-day test</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >Type</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Flexural</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Increase in Strength (%)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Compressive</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Increase in Strength (%)</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >PO</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9.5</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >-</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >54.14</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >-</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T01</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9.2</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >−3.16</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >58.45</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >7.98</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9.23</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >−2.84</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >56.51</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >4.39</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><p>Contrary to compressive strength, we have a loss of flexural strength when we use either T01 or T1 (with Fly Ash). This agrees with the general trend in the literature. In fact concrete is much stronger in compression than it is in tension [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref15">15</xref>].</p><p>The diagrams Figures 9-11 show the real evolution of the Mortar compressive strength.</p><p><xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig1">Figure 1</xref>2 shows that, from 3 days to 28 days, the Mortar compressive strength evolution curve when we use T01 is up to all the overs. Then, the appropriate rate of substitution of cement by Titanium Dioxide Nanotube to increase the Mortar compressive strength (with fly ash) is the T01. We remark that Mortar specimens are gaining in mechanical characteristics while gaining in age. This agrees with the literature.</p><p>Tables 14-16 show a better increase of compressive strength when we use T01 (without Fly Ash). These observations may be explained by the lower activity factor of T1 [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref13">13</xref>]. In fact, the reaction of amorphous silica and alumina phases with Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub> leads to the formation of more CSH [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref10">10</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref13">13</xref>]. Contrary to compressive strength, we have a loss of flexural strength when we use either T01 or T1 (without Fly Ash). This agrees with the general trend in the literature [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref15">15</xref>].</p><p>The diagrams Figures 13-15 show the real evolution of the Cement Paste compressive strength.</p><p><xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig1">Figure 1</xref>6 shows that, from 3 days to 28 days, the Cement Paste compressive strength evolution curve when we use T01 is up to all the overs. Then, the appropriate rate of substitution of cement by Titanium Dioxide Nanotube to increase the Cement Paste compressive strength (without fly ash) is the T01.</p><table-wrap id="table14" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">Table 1</xref>4</label><caption><title> Comparison mechanical strength of cement paste specimen without fly ash at 3-day test</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >Type</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Flexural</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Increase in Strength (%)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Compressive</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Increase in Strength (%)</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >PO</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >7.5</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >-</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >38.6</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >-</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T01</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9.6</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >28.00</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >47.35</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >22.67</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8.2</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9.33</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >42.7</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >10.62</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><table-wrap id="table15" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">Table 1</xref>5</label><caption><title> Comparison mechanical strength of cement paste specimen without fly ash at 7-day test</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >Type</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Flexural</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Increase in Strength (%)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Compressive</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Increase in Strength (%)</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >PO</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8.4</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >-</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >41.68</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >-</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T01</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >10.5</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >25.00</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >51.74</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >24.15</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9.5</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >13.10</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >47.52</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >14.02</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><table-wrap id="table16" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">Table 1</xref>6</label><caption><title> Comparison mechanical strength of cement paste specimen without fly ash at 28-day test</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >Type</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Flexural</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Increase in Strength (%)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Compressive</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Increase in Strength (%)</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >PO</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9.9</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >-</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >63.6</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >-</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T01</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >12.2</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >23.23</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >68.2</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >7.17</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11.4</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >15.15</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >65.3</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.67</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><p>Tables 17-19 show the best increase of compressive strength when we use T01 (with Fly Ash). These observations may be explained by the lower activity factor of T1 [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref13">13</xref>]. In fact, the reaction of amorphous silica and alumina phases with Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub> leads to the formation of more CSH [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref11">11</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref14">14</xref>].</p><p>It is noticed that all the fly ash samples present lower mechanical properties than the discontent fly ash samples. These results are obviously due to a lesser amount of cement in all mixes containing both fly ash and carbon nanotubes [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref11">11</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref12">12</xref>].</p><p>Contrary to compressive strength, we have a loss of flexural strength when we use either T01 or T1 (with Fly Ash). This agrees with the general trend in the literature because cementitious materials are much stronger in compression than they are in tension [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.110288-ref15">15</xref>].</p><p>The diagrams Figures 17-19 show the real evolution of the Cement Paste compressive strength.</p><p><xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig2">Figure 2</xref>0 shows that, from 3 days to 28 days, the Cement Paste compressive strength evolution curve when we use T01 is up all the overs. Then, the appropriate rate of substitution of cement by Titanium Dioxide Nanotube to increase the Cement Paste compressive strength (with fly ash) is the T01.</p><table-wrap id="table17" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">Table 1</xref>7</label><caption><title> Comparison mechanical strength of cement paste specimen with fly ash at 3-day test</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >Type</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Flexural</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Increase in Strength (%)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Compressive</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Increase in Strength (%)</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >PO</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >6.5</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >-</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >28.9</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >-</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T01</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >23.08</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >33.8</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >17.11</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >7.2</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >10.77</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >30.5</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5.66</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><table-wrap id="table18" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">Table 1</xref>8</label><caption><title> Comparison mechanical strength of cement paste specimen with fly ash at 7-day test</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >Type</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Flexural</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Increase in Strength (%)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Compressive</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Increase in Strength (%)</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >PO</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >7.9</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >-</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >43.2</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >-</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T01</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8.6</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8.86</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >51.1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >18.36</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8.9</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >12.66</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >47.0</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8.96</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><table-wrap id="table19" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">Table 1</xref>9</label><caption><title> Comparison mechanical strength of cement paste specimen with fly ash at 28-day test</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >Type</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Flexural</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Increase in Strength (%)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Compressive</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Increase in Strength (%)</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >PO</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >-</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >55.8</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >-</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T01</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11.2</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >24.44</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >60.2</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >7.98</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >T1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >10.5</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >16.67</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >58.2</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >4.39</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap></sec></sec><sec id="s4"><title>4. Conclusion</title><p>The use of Titanium Dioxides offers interesting results when the purpose is to increase the compressive strength of the cementitious materials; specially the use of the T01 gives very good results in compressive strength increasing it for all the cases. However, using Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes provides a light negative effect on flexural strength. But using titanium dioxide and fly ash shows bad results either for compressive strength or flexural strength because of the lesser amount of binder comparing to the case of using titanium dioxide T01 alone.</p></sec><sec id="s5"><title>Conflicts of Interest</title><p>The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper.</p></sec><sec id="s6"><title>Cite this paper</title><p>Doko, V.K., Hounkpe, S.P., Kotchoni, S.O., Hui, L. and Datchossa, A.T. (2021) Changing Mechanicals Characteristiques of Cementitious Materials Using Titanium Dioxide. Materials Sciences and Applications, 12, 297-313. https://doi.org/10.4236/msa.2021.126020</p></sec></body><back><ref-list><title>References</title><ref id="scirp.110288-ref1"><label>1</label><mixed-citation publication-type="book" xlink:type="simple">Taylor, H.F.W. (1997) 1 Portland Cement and Its Major Constituent Phases. In: Telford, T., Ed., Cement Chemistry, Thomas Telford Publishing, UK. https://doi.org/10.1680/cc.25929.0001</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.110288-ref2"><label>2</label><mixed-citation publication-type="book" xlink:type="simple">Saleh, H.M. and Eskander, S.B. (2020) Innovative Cement-Based Materials for Environmental Protection and Restoration. 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