Effect of Nano TiO₂ on performance of Ferrock Concrete Brick

Department of Civil Engineering, Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education (Deemed to be university), Vijayawada, 520007, India.

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Published online: 3 August 2026

Abstract

After water, concrete is the most widely consumed material in the world. Cement and aggregates are the primary raw materials used in cement concrete and concrete bricks. However, large-scale cement production places a significant burden on the environment, as approximately 0.9 tonnes of CO₂ are emitted for every tonne of cement produced. As a result, sustainable materials are becoming essential in the rapidly changing construction industry. Ferrock, a material derived from recycled steel dust, has emerged as a promising alternative to cement. Unlike conventional concrete, which has a notable carbon footprint, ferrock is carbon-negative, as it absorbs CO₂ during curing. The present study investigated the compressive strength, water absorption, and thermal properties of ferrock bricks incorporating nanoparticles. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂), added at concentrations of 1%, 2%, and 3%, was used to evaluate its effect on brick performance. The results indicated that a 2% TiO₂ addition was optimal for improving the properties of the ferrock bricks.