Concrete composition containing nano-titanium dioxide and micro-silica

Abstract

The present invention relates to a concrete composition for providing enhanced strength and self-cleaning properties. The concrete composition includes: cement, nano-Titanium Dioxide (n-TiO2), micro-Silica (m-SiO2), coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, superplasticizer, and water. The cement in a range of 300 to 375 kg / m3. The n-TiO2 in a range of 1 to 3% of the cement by weight. The m-SiO2 in a range of 0 to 10% of the cement by weight. The coarse aggregate in a range of 1100 to 1250 kg / m³. The fine aggregate in a range of 600 to 750 kg / m³. The superplasticizer in a range of 0.8 to 1% of cement percentage by weight. The water in range of 0.40 to 0.45% of cementitious materials, where the cementitious materials include mixture of cement, n-TiO2, and m-SiO2. Figure 1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELDThe present invention generally pertains to concrete composition and, morespecifically, to a concrete composition containing Nano-Titanium Dioxide (n-TiO2)and Micro-Silica (m-SiO2) for providing enhanced strength and self-cleaningproperties.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONConcrete is the most widely used construction material due to its costeffectiveness,strength, and versatility. However, conventional concrete suffers fromissues such as surface contamination, weathering, and environmental degradation,especially in polluted urban environments. Dust, exhaust residues, and organicpollutants adhere to concrete surfaces over time, causing discoloration and moldgrowth, thereby increasing maintenance costs and environmental impact.The construction industry is thus focusing on sustainable materials thatcombine durability and environmental benefits. Incorporating nanomaterials intoconcrete has emerged as an effective approach to enhance its performance. Nanotitanium dioxide (n-TiO2) exhibits photocatalytic properties that enable self-cleaningby decomposing organic matter under UV light, maintaining the surface brightness ofstructures. Micro-silica (m-SiO2), a pozzolanic by-product, improves strength, reducespermeability, and enhances durability by refining the pore structure and densifying themicrostructure. Although both materials individually improve concrete performance,optimizing their combined proportions remains a challenge.Further, urban structures such as facades, pavements, and bridges demandmaterials that are self-cleaning, durable, and low-maintenance. Therefore, there is aneed for an eco-friendly, cost-effective concrete composition that offers high strengthand self-cleaning ability while being compatible with standard mixing and curingpractices.The following description includes information that may be useful inunderstanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the informationprovided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that anypublication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.Various concrete compositions are known which are extensively used asconstruction material. Some of the examples are as follows:CN105271984A discloses a titanium dioxide dry-mixed mortar, that replacespart of the cement with alkaline-treated titanium dioxide. The mortar is made by mixingspecific proportions of cement (10-15 parts), titanium dioxide (15-20 parts), silicafume (5-9 parts), sand (60-70 parts), and cellulose ether (1-2 parts). The titaniumdioxide is pre-treated with a mild alkaline solution (a mix of sodium bicarbonate andsodium hydroxide) to enhance its properties. Further, this modified mortar showsdispersion, long-term strength, water retention, and adhesion, while also preventingissues like hollowing during setting. Further, CN'984 is also environmentally friendly.CN103232733A discloses a nano-scale silica-coated titanium dioxide powder.The powder consists of, by weight, 0.5-30% of silica, and 70-99.5% of titaniumdioxide. Further, silica sol provides a gelling phenomenon to the powder and whilepreparing the powder, the coating of silica content is used in an optimum amount andincrease of silica content is avoided. Further, the powder is also cured with resin toform the tilt structure. As a result, the prepared powder is more uniform and it providesan improved adhesion force between titanium dioxide and resin.The performance and functionalization of modified cementitious materials vianano titanium-dioxide: A review. The study of integration of nano titanium dioxide(NT or TiO2 nanoparticles) into cementitious materials to enhance their structural andmultifunctional performance. NT serves as a highly reactive additive that refines themicrostructure, accelerates hydration, and optimizes the pore distribution in cementbased composites. The incorporation of NT at optimal dosages improves mechanicalstrength, durability, and resistance to carbonization and chemical attack. Beyondstructural benefits, NT imparts intelligent functions such as self-cleaning, airpurification (via photocatalytic degradation of NOx and COx), electromagnetic waveabsorption, electrical conductivity, and antimicrobial resistance. These features makeNT-modified cement highly suitable for advanced construction applications including3D printing, smart infrastructure, and eco-friendly urban environments. However,challenges such as NT agglomeration and dispersion remain, and future research isneeded to develop cost-effective methods to achieve uniform NT distribution andmaximize its multifunctional potential.Strengthening Mechanism for the Mechanical Properties of Cement-BasedMaterials after Internal Nano-SiO2 Production. The study introduces a nano-SiO2precursor solution (NSPS) as an alternative to traditional nano-SiO2 powder forenhancing the mechanical properties of cement-based materials. By using a liquidphasemethod, NSPS is prepared as a weakly acidic solution where nano-SiO2 has notyet precipitated, enabling it to disperse uniformly and precipitate in situ when added tothe alkaline cement environment. This study avoids the agglomeration issues commonwith nano-SiO2 powder and leads to the formation of a more compact microstructurethrough accelerated hydration reactions and formation of calcium silicate hydrate(CS-H) gel.The study found that at an optimal pH of 6 and SiO2 content of about 0.16%of cement mass, compressive strength increased by 25-36% over plain cement and by16-22% over silica fume mixtures.In recent years, most industries have increased their focus on sustainable anddurable materials that not only offer high mechanical performance but also contributeto environmental protection. However, none of the existing solutions have been able tofully meet these criteria. There remains a demand for a concrete composition thatsimultaneously provides enhanced compressive strength, photocatalytic self-cleaningproperties, compatibility with standard mixing and curing practices, and environmentalfriendliness. Such a concrete composition would significantly reduce maintenancecosts, extend service life, and support sustainable development goals by reducingenvironmental pollution.The above-mentioned drawbacks / difficulties / disadvantages of the conventionaltechniques / compositions / mixtures are explained just for exemplary purpose and thisdisclosure and description mentioned below would never limit its scope only suchproblem. A person skilled in the art may understand that this disclosure and belowmentioned description may also solve other problems or overcome the abovementioneddrawbacks / disadvantages of the conventional arts which are not explicitlycaptured above.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention overcomes one or more shortcomings of the prior artsand provides additional advantages discussed throughout the present disclosure.Additional features and advantages are realized through the present concretecomposition. Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are described in detailherein and are considered a part of the present description.This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplifiedformat, which is further described in the detailed description of the invention. Thissummary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of theinvention nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.The present invention relates to a concrete composition for providing enhancedstrength and self-cleaning properties. The concrete composition includes: cement,nano-Titanium Dioxide (n-TiO2), micro-Silica (m-SiO2), coarse aggregate, fineaggregate, superplasticizer, and water. The cement in a range of 300 to 375 kg / m3. Thenano- n-TiO2 in a range of 1 to 3% of the cement by weight. The m-SiO2 in a range of0 to 10% of the cement by weight. The coarse aggregate in a range of 1100 to 1250kg / m3. The fine aggregate in a range of 600 to 750 kg / m3. The superplasticizer in arange of 0.8 to 1% of cement percentage by weight. The water in range of 0.40 to 0.45%of cementitious materials, where the cementitious materials include mixture of cement,n-TiO2, and m-SiO2.More specifically, the present invention relates to a concrete composition forproviding enhanced strength and self-cleaning properties and reduced environmentalpollutants, the concrete composition including:- cement in a range of 300 to 375 kg / m3, for providing base of cementitiousmatrix;- nano-Titanium dioxide (n-TiO2) in a range of 1 to 3% of the cement by weight,for imparting photocatalytic reaction, strength and durability;- micro-Silica (m-SiO2) in a range of 0 to 10% of the cement by weight, forimproving packing density and pozzolanic reactivity;- coarse aggregate in a range of 1100 to 1250 kg / m3, for providing mechanicalstrength to the concrete composition, wherein the coarse aggregate is crushedstones;- fine aggregate in a range of 600 to 750 kg / m3, for filling the spaces between thecoarse aggregate, wherein the fine aggregate is natural river sand;- superplasticizer in a range of 0.8 to 1% of cement percentage by weight, forensuring workability and dispersion of nano-materials; and- water in range of 0.40 to 0.45% of cementitious materials, for activating thechemical reaction, wherein the cementitious matrix include mixture of cement,n-TiO2, and m-SiO2.Furthermore, the concrete composition utilize ordinary Portland cement (OPC) asthe cement and size of the ordinary Portland cement is less than 40 micro meter.Moreover, the concrete composition utilizes n-TiO2 which is of P25 gradecomprising approximately 85% anatase and 15% rutile crystalline phases. Further, nTiO2 provides self-cleaning properties by catalysing the degradation of organicpollutants and airborne contaminants upon exposure to UV light or sunlight.Additionally, size of n-TiO2 is average of 25 nano meter and size of m-SiO2 is less than5 micro meters.Additionally, the fine aggregate conforms to IS383:2016, and the coarseaggregate conforms to standard grading as per IS383:2016 Further, wherein size of thefine aggregate and the coarse aggregate is less than 20 millimetres.In an embodiment of the present invention, the air content in the wet concretemix is maintained at approximately 1.0% for non-air-entrained concrete with 20 mmnominal maximum aggregate size. Further, concrete achieves a compressive strengthof 35-50 MPa after 28 days of water curing at a temperature of 27 ± 2°C.In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the concrete compositionincludes 330 Kg / m3 of cement, 7.50 Kg / m3 of n-TiO2, 37.50 Kg / m3 of m-SiO2, 1200Kg / m3 of coarse aggregate, 704 Kg / m3 of fine aggregate, 3.75 Kg / m3 ofsuperplasticizer, and 157.50 Kg / m3 of water.The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any waylimiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features describedabove, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by referenceto the drawings and the following detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGSThe novel features and characteristic of the invention are set forth in the detaileddescription. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, furtherobjectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to thefollowing detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunctionwith the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by wayof example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like referencenumerals represent like elements and in which:Figure 1 depicts an exemplary proportion of concrete composition containing NanoTitaniumDioxide (n-TiO2) and Micro-Silica (m-SiO2) for providing enhanced strengthand self-cleaning properties, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.Figure 2 depicts an exemplary comprehensive strength of the concrete compositionover different days, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.Figure 3 depicts an exemplary self-cleaning effect of the concrete composition, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.The figures depict embodiments of the invention for purposes of illustrationonly. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description thatalternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may beemployed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of thepresent invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that followsmay be better understood. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that theconception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis formodifying or designing other mechanism for carrying out the same purposes of thepresent invention.The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both asto its organization and method of operation, together with further objects andadvantages will be better understood from the following description when consideredin connection with the accompanying figure. It is to be expressly understood, however,that the figure is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is notintended as a definition of the limits of the present invention.In the present invention, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving asan example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of thepresent subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms,specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings andwill be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is notintended to limit the invention to the forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the inventionis to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit andthe scope of the invention.The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intendedto cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device, or process that comprisesa list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but mayinclude other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup ordevice or process. In other words, one or more elements in a device or apparatusproceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude theexistence of other elements or additional elements in the device or apparatus.The present invention relates to a concrete composition for providing enhancedstrength and self-cleaning properties. The concrete composition includes: cement,nano-Titanium Dioxide (n-TiO2), micro-Silica (m-SiO2), coarse aggregate, fineaggregate, superplasticizer, and water. The cement in a range of 300 to 375 kg / m3.The n-TiO2 in a range of 1 to 3% of the cement by weight. The m-SiO2 in a range of 0 to10% of the cement by weight. The coarse aggregate in a range of 1100 to 1250 kg / m3.The fine aggregate in a range of 600 to 750 kg / m3. The superplasticizer in a range of0.8 to 1% of cement percentage by weight. The water in range of 0.40 to .45% ofcementitious materials, where the cementitious materials include mixture of cement,nTiO2, and m-SiO2.The present invention provides significant advantages over conventional concretecompositions and surface treatment technologies such as enhanced mechanicalperformance, self-cleaning, photocatalytic properties, improved durability, service life,eco-friendly and sustainable, optimized material utilization, improved aestheticperformance, reduced maintenance and lifecycle cost, and versatility.Figure 1 depicts an exemplary proportion of concrete composition containing then-TiO2 and m-SiO2 100 for providing enhanced strength and self-cleaning properties,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.The present invention relates to a concrete composition 100 for providing enhancedstrength and self-cleaning properties. The concrete composition 100 includes: cement102, nano-Titanium Dioxide (n-TiO2) 104, micro-Silica (m-SiO2) 106, coarseaggregate 110, fine aggregate 112, superplasticizer 114, and water 108. Cement 102 ina range of 300 to 375 kg / m3. The n-TiO2 104 in a range of 1to 3% of cement 102 byweight. The m-SiO2 106 in a range of 0 to 10% of cement 102 by weight. The coarseaggregate 110 in a range of 1100 to 1250 kg / m3. The fine aggregate 112 in a range of600 to 750 kg / m3. The superplasticizer 114 in a range of 0.8 to 1% of cement 102percentage by weight. The water 108 in range of 0.40 to .45% of cementitiousmaterials, where the cementitious materials include mixture of cement 102, n-TiO2 104,and m-SiO2 106.More specifically, the present invention relates to a concrete composition 100 forproviding enhanced strength and self-cleaning properties and reduced environmentalpollutants, the concrete composition 100 including:- cement in a range of 300 to 375 kg / m3, for providing base of cementitiousmatrix;- nano-Titanium dioxide (n-TiO2) in a range of 1 to 3% of the cement by weight,for imparting photocatalytic reaction, strength and durability;- micro-Silica (m-SiO2) in a range of 0 to 10% of the cement by weight, forimproving packing density and pozzolanic reactivity;- coarse aggregate in a range of 1100 to 1250 kg / m3, for providing mechanicalstrength to the concrete composition, wherein the coarse aggregate is crushedstones;- fine aggregate in a range of 600 to 750 kg / m3, for filling the spaces between thecoarse aggregate, wherein the fine aggregate is natural river sand;- superplasticizer in a range of 0.8 to 1% of cement percentage by weight, forensuring workability and dispersion of nano-materials; and- water in range of 0.40 to 0.45% of cementitious materials, for activating thechemical reaction,wherein the cementitious matrix include mixture of cement, n-TiO2, and mSiO2.Furthermore, the concrete composition 100 utilize ordinary Portland cement (OPC)as cement 102 and size of the ordinary Portland cement is less than 40 micro meter.Moreover, the concrete composition 100 utilizes n-TiO2 104 which is of P25 gradeand comprising approximately 85% anatase and 15% rutile crystalline phases. Further,n-TiO2 104 provides self-cleaning properties by catalysing the degradation of organicpollutants and airborne contaminants upon exposure to UV light or sunlight.Additionally, wherein the size of n-TiO2 104 is average of 25 nano meter and size ofm- SiO2 106 is less than 5 micro meter.Additionally, the fine aggregate 112 conforms to IS383:2016, and the coarseaggregate 110 conforms to standard grading as per IS383:2016. Further, wherein sizeof the fine aggregate 112 is less than 4.75 millimetre and the coarse aggregate 110 isless than 20 millimetre.Additionally, the air content in the wet concrete composition 100 is maintained atapproximately 1.0% for non-air-entrained concrete with 20 mm nominal maximumaggregate size. Further, concrete achieves a compressive strength of 35-50 MPa after28 days of water 108 curing at a temperature of 27 ± 2°C.The concrete composition 100 includes cement 102 which is specifically ordinaryPortland cement (OPC) with a particle size of less than 40 micrometres as the primarybinder. The concrete composition 100 includes cement 102 in the range of 300 to 375kg / m3 to serve as the foundational component. The range of 300 to 375 kg / m3 ensuresadequate binding strength and compatibility with other composite materials such as nTiO2 104 and m-SiO2 106, enhancing the mechanical properties and functionalperformance of the concrete.The ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is the common type of cement 102 usedglobally. In at least one embodiment, the OPC contains calcium silicates, with a smallamount of gypsum to regulate the setting time. The OPC are in the form of fine powderand it acts as a crucial binding agent in concrete, reacting with water 108 throughhydration to form a hardened paste that effectively binds aggregates like sand andgravel. Consequently, OPC is used in a wide array of construction applications,including making concrete, mortar, and grout for buildings, bridges, pavements, anddams.Further, the concrete composition 100 includes n-TiO2 104 in the range of 1% to3% by weight of cement 102. Further, n-TiO2 104 with other composite help to enhanceboth functional and mechanical properties of the concrete composition 100. The rangeof 1% to 3% by weight of cement 102 may achieve a balance between photocatalyticefficiency and overall composition stability. Acting as a supplementary cementitiousmaterial, n-TiO2 104 contributes to improved strength, durability, and environmentalperformance of the concrete composition 100 along with other composites.In particular, the concrete composition 100 uses P25-grade n-TiO2 104, whichcontains approximately 85% anatase and 15% rutile crystalline phases. The 85%anatase and 15% rutile crystalline phases provide high photocatalytic activity, with theanatase phase provides catalysing surface reactions under UV light. The averageparticle size of n-TiO2 104 is around 25 nanometres, which allows n-TiO2 104 todisperse effectively within the concrete composition 100, fill nano-sized pores, andcontribute to a denser microstructure.Further, upon exposure to UV light or direct sunlight, n-TiO2 104 particles alongwith other composites of concrete composition 100 activate and initiate photocatalyticreactions. These reactions help break down organic pollutants, airborne contaminants,and surface grime, leading to a self-cleaning effect on the concrete surfaces. As a result,the concrete composition 100 remains aesthetically clean over time with reducedmaintenance needs. In addition to environmental benefits, the integration of n-TiO2 104with other composites enhances long-term durability by minimizing surfacedegradation and reducing the potential for microbial growth.In at least one embodiment, n-TiO2 104 helps break down pollutants and reduce theconcentration of harmful substances in urban environments. This leads to cleaner airquality, contributing to environmental sustainability and healthier living conditions incities.In at least one embodiment, n-TiO2 104 helps to enhanced self-cleaning ability ofconcrete composition 100. When exposed to sunlight, n-TiO2 104 reacts to break downorganic dirt and stains, reducing the need for manual cleaning and maintenance, whichlowers operational costs over time.Further, the concrete composition 100 includes m-SiO2 106 in the range of 0% to10% by weight of cement 102 to enhance the packing density and pozzolanic reactivityof the concrete composition 100. It is pertinent to note that m-SiO2 106, consists ofultra-fine amorphous silica particles with a particle size smaller than 5 micrometres,which allows it to fill the microscopic voids between cement grains and otheraggregates. By adding so, m-SiO2 106 increases the packing density of the concretecomposition 100, resulting in a denser and less porous structure.In addition, m-SiO2 106 participates in pozzolanic reactions. In pozzolanicreaction, m-SiO2 106 reacts with calcium hydroxide a byproduct of cement hydrationto form additional calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H), which is the main binding phasein concrete composition 100 responsible for strength. This secondary C-S-H formationimproves the compressive strength of the concrete composition 100 and also enhancesits long-term performance by refining pore structure and reducing the amount of freelime that can contribute to durability issues.Further, the concrete composition 100 includes the coarse aggregate 110 in therange of 1100 to 1250 kg / m3, using crushed stone as the primary material. This coarseaggregate 110 support is providing mechanical strength, bulk volume, and dimensionalstability to the concrete composition 100. In at least one embodiment, the coarseaggregate 110 conforms to the standard grading requirements of IS 383:2016, ensuringconsistency in quality, gradation, and physical properties for optimal performance instructural applications. Further, the size of coarse aggregate 110 is less than 20 millimeters.Also, the concrete composition 100 includes the fine aggregate 112 in the range of600 to 750 kg / m3. In at least one embodiment, the fine aggregate 112 is natural riversand. The fine aggregate 112 along with other composition helps in filling the spacesbetween the coarse aggregate 110, enhancing workability, and contributing to thestrength and surface finish of the concrete. The river sand conforms to the qualitystandards specified in IS 383:2016, ensuring appropriate grading, cleanliness, andparticle shape for concrete applications. Further, the size of the fine aggregate 112 isless than 4.75millimetre.The concrete composition 100 further includes admixture / superplasticizer 114which is superplasticizer 114 in the percentage of 0.8% to 1% by weight of cement102. The admixture with other composite helps in enhancing the workability of theconcrete composition 100 and ensuring the uniform dispersion of n-TiO2 104 and mSiO2 106.In at least one embodiment, the admixture 114 is superplasticizer 114, typically ahigh-range water 108 admixture (HRWRA), which disperse the particles evenlythroughout the concrete composition 100 and provides a more homogeneous concretematrix. By improving dispersion, the superplasticizer 114 ensures that the nano andmicro additives effectively contribute to the concrete's performance-enhancingstrength, durability, and photocatalytic activity.Additionally, the use of superplasticizer 114 with other components whencombined, it allows for a lower water-to-binder ratio without compromisingworkability, resulting in a denser, more durable concrete with reduced porosity andimproved mechanical properties.The concrete composition 100 uses water 108 in the range of 0.40 to 0.45 times thetotal weight of cementitious materials, which include cement 102, n-TiO2 104 and mSiO2 106. This water-to-binder ratio (w / b) is carefully selected to ensure a balancebetween workability and strength development, while promoting a dense and durablemicrostructure. Maintaining this optimal ratio helps minimize porosity, reduceshrinkage, and improve the long-term performance of the concrete.In at least one embodiment the calculation of different particulars related to theconcrete composition 100 is done by the following steps:1. Target strength for mix proportioning(a) f'ck = fck + 1.65 S=30 + 1.65 x 5.0 = 38.25 N / mm2(b) f'ck = fck + X= 30 + 6.5 = 36.5 N / mm2The higher value is to be adopted.In an embodiment of the present invention, the target strength is obtained which isabout 38.25 N / mm2. It is pertinent to not that the value is higher than the normalconcrete composition, which is generally 30 N / mm2 . So, it is clear that 38.25N / mm2 > 36.5 N / mm2.2. Approximate air contentFrom table 3 of IS 10262: 2019, the approximate amount of entrapped air to beexpected in normal (non-air-entrained) concrete is 1.0 percent for 20 mmnominal maximum size of aggregate.The same is also found in the present concrete composition3. Selection of water 108 cement 102 ratioFrom IS 10262:2019, the free water-cement ratio required for target strength of38.25 N / mm2is about 0.42 for the curve. In general, the ratio is usually 0.45.Since, the value of the free water-cement ratio of present cement compositionis 0.42 ≤ 0.45. Therefore, it is more suitable for the usage in construction industry.4. Selection of water 108 contentEstimated water content for 75 mm slump (3% increase in water for 25 mmadditional slump)= 186 +3x186100=191.58 kg / m3As superplasticizer 114 is used, the water 108 content may be reduced. Thewater 108 content reduction of 20% percent is considered, while usingsuperplasticizer 114 at the rate 1% percent by weight of cementitious material.(approximately 18% taken on the basis of trials)Hence, the water content = 191x 0.82 = 157.47 kg / m35. Calculation of cement 102 contentWater cement ratio = 0.42Cementitious content = 375 kg / m3minimum cement content = 300 kg / m3The maximum cement content = 450 kg / m36. Proportion of volume of coarse aggregate 110 and fine aggregate112 contentCoarse aggregate ratio present in cement composition is of 0.63 and FA ratiopresent in cement composition of 0.37. So, these ratio as obtained are moresuitable and can be easily considered by the user for construction purpose.7. Mix calculationsThe mix calculations per unit volume of concrete shall be as follows:(a) Total volume = 1 m3(b) Volume of entrapped air in wet concrete = 0.01m3(c) Volume of cement Equationd) Volume of water 108 Equatione) Volume of micro silica Equationf) Volume of nano-Titanium dioxide Equationg) Volume of Admixture Equationh) Volume of all in aggregate Equationi) Mass of coarseaggregate 110= 0.7057 x 0.63 x 2.7 x 1000 = 1200.39j) Mass of fineaggregate 112= 0.7057 x 0.37 x 2.65 x 1000 = 704.99 kg / m3 Thus, it is evident from the above calculations that the parameters / range / ratioof different particulars of concrete composition 100 are optimum and are more suitablefor construction purpose.In at least one embodiment, the presence of n-TiO2 104 and m-SiO2 106 inconcrete composition 100 can also help reduce the overall carbon footprint ofconstruction. By promoting environmental cleaning and substituting cement, theconcrete composition 100 supports the broader goal of creating sustainable, ecofriendlybuilding materials that contribute to climate change mitigation.Lastly, the presence of n-TiO2 104 and m-SiO2 106 in concrete composition100 is compatible with existing concrete mixing processes, requiring no specialequipment or modifications to integrate into conventional manufacturing practices.Figure 2 depicts an exemplary comprehensive strength of the concretecomposition over different days 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.The above mentioned figure graphically represents compressive strength 202achieved by the concrete composition 100 containing: cement 102, n-TiO2 104, m-SiO2106, coarse aggregate 110, fine aggregate 112, superplasticizer 114, and water 108 overdifferent curing durations 204. The concrete composition 100 provides a progressiveincrease in compressive strength 202: 16.82 MPa at 3 days, 30.99 MPa at 7 days, and42.2 MPa at 28 days. In an embodiment of the present invention, concrete composition100 achieves a compressive strength of 35-50 MPa after 28 days of water curing at atemperature of 27 ± 2°C.The improvement of compressive strength 202 is because of nucleation effectof n- TiO2 104 and m-SiO2 106. The nucleation effect accelerates C-S-H gel formation.The m-SiO2 106 enhances the microstructure through pozzolanic reaction with calciumhydroxide. This synergistic action results in a dense, compact matrix with reduced poresize and enhanced mechanical performance.Exceeding the optimal concentrations of 2% n-TiO2 104 and 10% m-SiO2 106reduces the compressive strength of concrete composition 100. At higher dosages,nTiO2 104 and m-SiO2 106 particles tend to agglomerate because of their high surfaceenergy and small size. These agglomerates disrupt the uniform distribution within theconcrete composition 100, creating weak zones and micro-defects that effect thecomprehensive strength of the hardened concrete.In at least one embodiment, the increased surface area of excess nanoparticlesraises the water demand, which negatively affects the workability of the concretecomposition 100. Which may trap air voids, further weakening the structure. As aresult, the excessive amounts of n-TiO2 104 and m-SiO2 106 limit the availability ofreactive surface area for hydration and pozzolanic reactions, ultimately hinderingstrength development.Figure 3 depicts an exemplary self-cleaning effect of concrete composition300, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.The above mentioned figure demonstrates the self-cleaning effect of concretecomposition 300 after 28 days of curing test. The surface of concrete sample is coatedwith a uniform layer of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye solution (100 mg / L, 50 μL) andexposed to natural sunlight with an average UVA intensity of 7.1 W / m2 for timeintervals of 0 hour (302), 1 hour (304), 2 hours (306 mimic those of commonatmospheric pollutants), and 3 hours (308).The RhB is taken as contaminant, because of chemical structure and lightabsorbing chromophore.The RhB provide strong magenta / pink / violet colour, a visibleindicator of photocatalytic activity. Further, the RhB discoloration directly reflects thedegradation of complex organic molecules similar to those found in urban grime,vehicle exhaust deposits, or microbial growth.At 0 hour (302): The RhB is uniformly distributed over concrete composition100. The concrete composition 100 shows a deep pink coloration.At 1 hour (304): a slight fading of the pink hue appears at isolated regions asthe concrete composition 100 with RhB as exposed to UVA light.At 2 hours (306): The surface of the concrete composition 100 with RhBdisplays a noticeably lighter shade of pink-violet. At this stage the intermediatechromophoric structures of RhB are decomposed.At 3 hours (308): The surface of the concrete composition 100 with RhBbecomes nearly colourless. Where the RhB is decomposed.Throughout the exposure to natural sunlight with an average UVA intensity of7.1 W / m2, n-TiO2 104 acts as the active photocatalyst initiating oxidation reactions,mSiO2 106 enhances dispersion, increases reactive surface area, and strengthens theconcrete composition 100. The synergistic interaction results in stable and reproducibleself-cleaning performance.In at least one embodiment, the RhB becomes nearly colourless because ofphotodegradation. Where organic molecules of RhB are converted into small, colorlessinorganic species such as CO2, H2O, and NO3-, showing the natural gray tone of theconcrete composition 100.The gradual transformation, from intense coloration at 0 hour to near-completebleaching at 3 hours, shows the concrete composition 100 provides strongphotocatalytic response, maintains surface brightness and cleanliness under naturalenvironmental exposure. The experiment validates the concrete composition's 100capability to simulate and remove real-world pollutants, offering a sustainable, low-maintenance, and pollution-mitigating construction material with both structural andenvironmental advantages.In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the concrete composition100 includes 330 Kg / m3 of cement 102, 7.50 Kg / m3 of n-TiO2 104, 37.50 Kg / m3 of mSiO2106, 1200 Kg / m3 of coarse aggregate 110, 704 Kg / m3 of fine aggregate 112, 3.75Kg / m3 of superplasticizer 114, and 157.50 Kg / m3 of water 108.In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the concretecomposition 100 includes approximately 13.52% of cement 102, 0.31% of n-TiO2 104,1.54% of m-SiO2 106, 49.16% of coarse aggregate 110, 28.85% of fine aggregate 112,0.15% of superplasticizer 114, and 6.45% of water 108, all percentages being by mass.In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the concretecomposition 100 includes approximately 13.52% ±2% of cement 102, 0.31% ±2% ofn-TiO2 104, 1.54% ±2% of m-SiO2 106, 49.16% ±2% of coarse aggregate 110, 28.85%±2% of fine aggregate 112, 0.15% ±2% of superplasticizer 114, and 6.45% ±2% ofwater 108, all percentages being by mass.In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, cement 102 ina range of 300 to 375 kg / m3. n-TiO2 104 in a range of 1 to 3% of cement 102 by weight.m-SiO2 106 in a range of 0 to 10% of cement 102 by weight. Coarse aggregate 110 ina range of 1100 to 1250 kg / m3. Fine aggregate 112 in a range of 600 to 750 kg / m3. Thesuperplasticizer 114 in a range of 0.8 to 1% of cement 102 percentage by weight. Thewater 108 in range of 0.40 to 0.45% of cementitious materials, where the cementitiousmaterials include mixture of cement 102, n-TiO2 104, and m-SiO2 106.TECHNICAL ADVANTAGE:The present invention provides several significant advantages over conventionalconcrete compositions and surface treatment technologies, including:- Enhanced mechanical performance: The synergistic incorporation of Micro-Silica(m-SiO2) and Nano-Titanium Dioxide (n-TiO2) significantly improves compressivestrength, durability, and microstructural density of concrete through pozzolanicreaction and pore refinement.- Self-cleaning and photocatalytic properties: The presence of n-TiO2 impartsphotocatalytic activity that facilitates degradation of organic pollutants, dyes, anddust particles upon exposure to sunlight, maintaining surface brightness andreducing cleaning or repainting frequency.- Improved durability and service life: The refined pore structure and reducedpermeability minimize water ingress, chloride penetration, and carbonation,thereby enhancing resistance to environmental deterioration.- Eco-friendly and sustainable: The photocatalytic property assists in reducingatmospheric pollutants such as NOx and VOCs, contributing to improved air qualityand sustainable construction practices.- Optimized material utilization: The proposed mix design provides optimalmechanical and functional performance at low percentage (1-3% n-TiO2 and 0-10% m-SiO2), ensuring cost-effectiveness without significant alteration to standardconcrete processing.- Improved aesthetic performance: The self-cleaning action prevents surfacedarkening and staining, preserving the visual appeal of architectural andinfrastructural concrete surfaces over long periods.- Reduced maintenance and lifecycle cost: The self-purifying nature of the materialreduces manual cleaning, repainting, and maintenance frequency, loweringoperational costs and enhancing sustainability.- Scalability and versatility: The invention is adaptable to a wide range of concretegrades, applications, and environments, including pavements, building facades, andprecast elements, without compromising workability or strength.It should be understood that the embodiments and examples described herein areprovided to illustrate the invention and not to limit its scope. A person skilled in the artwill recognize that substitutions, equivalents, or variations in raw materials, mixingproportions, curing conditions, or nanomaterial characteristics can be made withoutdeparting from the essence of the invention. The disclosed invention may be adjustedto accommodate local materials or performance criteria while maintaining theinventive concept of synergistic interaction between n-TiO2 and m-SiO2 for combinedmechanical and photocatalytic benefits.While specific embodiments and experimental results have been presented,numerous modifications may be made to adapt the invention to diverse constructionapplications, including architectural concrete, pavements, and structural components,without departing from its scope as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A concrete composition for providing strength and self-cleaning properties, the concrete composition comprising: cement in a range of 300 to 375 kg / m3 , for providing base of cementitious matrix; nano-Titanium dioxide (n-TiO2) in a range of 1 to 3% of the cement by weight, for imparting the photocatalytic reaction, strength and durability; micro-Silica (m-SiO2) in a range of 0 to 10% of the cement by weight, for improving the packing density and pozzolanic reactivity; coarse aggregate in a range of 1100 to 1250 kg / m3, for providing mechanical strength to the concrete composition, wherein the coarse aggregate is crushed stones; fine aggregate in a range of 600 to 750 kg / m3, for filling the spaces between the coarse aggregate, wherein the fine aggregate is natural river sand; superplasticizer in a range of 0.8 to 1% of cement percentage by weight, for ensuring workability and dispersion of nano-materials; and water in range of 0.40 to 0.45% of cementitious materials, for activating the chemical reaction, wherein the cementitious matrix include cement, n-TiO2, and mSiO2.

2. The concrete composition of claim 1, wherein the cement utilized is ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and size of the cement is less than 40 micro meters.

3. The concrete composition of claim 1, wherein n-TiO2 is of P25 grade comprising approximately 85% anatase and 15% rutile crystalline phases.

4. The concrete composition of claim 1, wherein the size of n-TiO2 is average.

5. The concrete composition of claim 1, wherein the fine aggregate conforms to IS383:2016, and the coarse aggregate conforms to standard grading as per IS383:2016.

6. The concrete composition of claim 1, wherein size of the fine aggregate is less than 4.75 millimetres and the coarse aggregate is less than 20 millimetres.

7. The concrete composition of claim 1, wherein the air content in the concrete composition is maintained at approximately 1.0%.

8. The concrete composition of claim 1, wherein the concrete composition achieves a compressive strength of 35-50 MPa after 28 days of water curing at a temperature of 27 ± 2°C.

9. The concrete composition of claim 1, wherein the concrete composition includes uniform dispersion of n-TiO2 and m-SiO2.

10. The concrete composition of claim 1, wherein the concrete composition provides self-cleaning.