Effect of High-Dispersible Graphene on the Strength and Durability of Cement Mortars

Graphene’s outstanding properties make it a potential material for reinforced cementitious composites. However, its shortcomings, such as easy agglomeration and poor dispersion, severely restrict its application in cementitious materials. In this paper, a highly dispersible graphene (TiO₂-RGO) with better dispersibility compared with graphene oxide (GO) is obtained through improvement of the graphene preparation method. In this study, both GO and TiO₂-RGO can improve the pore size distribution of cement mortars. According to the results of the mercury intrusion porosity (MIP) test, the porosity of cement mortar mixed with GO and TiO₂-RGO was reduced by 26% and 40%, respectively, relative to ordinary cement mortar specimens. However, the TiO₂-RGO cement mortars showed better pore size distribution and porosity than GO cement mortars. Comparative tests on the strength and durability of ordinary cement mortars, GO cement mortars, and TiO₂-RGO cement mortars were conducted, and it was found that with the same amount of TiO₂-RGO and GO, the TiO₂-RGO cement mortars have nearly twice the strength of GO cement mortars. In addition, it has far higher durability, such as impermeability and chloride ion penetration resistance, than GO cement mortars. These results indicate that TiO₂-RGO prepared by titanium dioxide (TiO₂) intercalation can better improve the strength and durability performance of cement mortars compared to GO.     

Investigation of the Residual Mechanical and Porosity Properties of Cement Mortar under Axial Stress during Heating

The preload load on concrete during heating is considered to cause a ‘densification’ of cement mortar which led to the increased compressive strength. In order to assess the influence of coupled load and heating effects on porosity characteristics of concrete, the porosity of mortar after mechanical and thermal loading was measured by X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT). The preload at pre-stress ratios of 0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 (ratio of stress applied to the specimen to its compressive strength at room temperature) were applied on mortar specimens during heating. The residual compressive strengths of the heated and stressed mortar specimens were tested after cooling to room temperature. Combined analyses of the residual compressive strength test results and porosity test results, it shows that the porosity of the specimens under the coupled stressing and heating conditions were slightly lower than that under the unstressed conditions; however, the conclusion that the increase of compressive strength of stressed mortar was caused by the ‘densification’ of cement paste was insufficient. The preload reduced the cracks in the mortar, especially the crack induced due to the thermal mismatch in aggregates and hardened cement paste (HCP), and this may account for the increased compressive strength of stressed mortar.     

Investigation of Self-Healing Mortars with and without Bagasse Ash at Pre- and Post-Crack Times

Cracks in typical mortar constructions enhance water permeability and degrade ions into the structure, resulting in decreased mortar durability and strength. In this study, mortar samples are created that self-healed their cracks by precipitating calcium carbonate into them. Bacillus subtilus bacterium (10⁻⁷, 10⁻⁹ cells/mL), calcium lactate, fine aggregate, OPC-cement, water, and bagasse ash were used to make self-healing mortar samples. Calcium lactates were prepared from discarded eggshells and lactic acid to reduce the cost of self-healing mortars, and 5% control burnt bagasse ash was also employed as an OPC-cement alternative. In the presence of moisture, the bacterial spores in mortars become active and begin to feed the nutrient (calcium lactate). The calcium carbonate precipitates and plugs the fracture. Our experimental results demonstrated that cracks in self-healing mortars containing bagasse ash were largely healed after 3 days of curing, but this did not occur in conventional mortar samples. Cracks up to 0.6 mm in self-healing mortars were filled with calcite using 10⁻⁷ and 10⁻⁹ cell/mL bacteria concentrations. Images from an optical microscope, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to confirm the production of calcite in fractures. Furthermore, throughout the pre- and post-crack-development stages, self-healing mortars have higher compressive strength than conventional mortars. The precipitated calcium carbonates were primed to compact the samples by filling the void spaces in hardened mortar samples. When fissures developed in hardened mortars, bacteria became active in the presence of moisture, causing calcite to precipitate and fill the cracks. The compressive strength and flexural strength of self-healing mortar samples are higher than conventional mortars before cracks develop in the samples. After the healing process of the broken mortar parts (due to cracking), self-healing mortars containing 5% bagasse ash withstand a certain load and have greater flexural strength (100 kPa) than conventional mortars (zero kPa) at 28 days of cure. Self-healing mortars absorb less water than typical mortar samples. Mortar samples containing 10⁻⁷ bacteria cells/mL exhibit greater compressive strength, flexural strength, and self-healing ability. XRD and SEM were used to analyze mortar samples with healed fractures. XRD, FTIR, and SEM images were also used to validate the produced calcium lactate. Furthermore, the durability of mortars was evaluated using DTA-TGA analysis and water absorption tests.     

Effects of a Natural Mordenite as Pozzolan Material in the Evolution of Mortar Settings

This paper shows the results of a study focused on the evolution and properties of mortars made with a mixture of portland cement (PC) and natural mordenite (Mor). To begin, samples of mordenite, cement and sand were studied with X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and granulometric analysis (GA). Next, mortars with a ratio of 75% PC and 25% mordenite were prepared to determine their initial and final setting times, consistency and density. Continuing, the density, weight and compressive strength of the specimens were determined at 2, 7, 28, 90 and 365 days. Finally, the specimens were studied using SEM, XRD and XRF. The results of the study of the mordenite sample showed a complex constitution where the major mineral component is mordenite, and to a lesser degree smectite (montmorillonite), halloysite, illite, mica, quartz, plagioclase and feldspar, in addition to altered volcanic glass. Tests with fresh cement/mordenite mortar (CMM) showed an initial setting time of 320 min and a final setting time of 420 min, much longer than the 212–310 min of portland cement mortar (PCM). It was established that the consistency of the cement/mordenite mortar (CMM) was greater than that of the PCM. The results of the density study showed that the CMM has a lower density than the PCM. On the other hand, the density of cement/mordenite specimens (CMS) was lower than that of portland cement specimens (PCS). The CMS compressive strength studies showed a significant increase from 18.2 MPa, at 2 days, to 72 MPa, at 365 days, with better strength than PCS at 28 and 365 days, respectively. XRD, XRF and SEM studies conducted on CMS showed a good development of primary and secondary tobermorite, the latter formed at the expense of portlandite; also, ettringite developed normally. This work proves that the partial replacement of PC by mordenite does not have a negative effect on the increase in the mechanical strength of CMS. It indicates that the presence of mordenite inhibits the spontaneous hydration of C₃A and controls the anomalous formation of ettringite (Ett). All this, together with the mechanical strength reported, indicates that mordenite has a deep and positive influence on the evolution of the mortar setting and is an efficient pozzolan, meaning it can be used in the manufacture of mortars and highly resistant pozzolanic cement, with low hydration heat, low density, stability in extremely aggressive places and a low impact on the environment.     

Investigation on Control Burned of Bagasse Ash on the Properties of Bagasse Ash-Blended Mortars

In recent years, partial replacement of cement with bagasse ash has been given attention for construction application due to its pozzolanic characteristics. Sugarcane bagasse ash and fine bagasse particles are abundant byproducts of the sugar industries and are disposed of in landfills. Our study presents the effect of burning bagasse at different temperatures (300 °C and 600 °C) on the compressive strength and physical properties of bagasse ash-blended mortars. Experimental results have revealed that bagasse produced more amorphous silica with very low carbon contents when it was burned at 600 °C/2 h. The compressive strength of mortar was improved when 5% bagasse ash replaced ordinary portland cement (OPC) at early curing ages. The addition of 10% bagasse ash cement also increased the compressive strength of mortars at 14 and 28 days of curing. However, none of the bagasse ash-blended portland pozzolana cement (PPC) mortars have shown improvement on compressive strength with the addition of bagasse ash. Characterization of bagasse ash was done using XRD, DTA-TGA, SEM, and atomic absorption spectrometry. Moreover, durability of mortars was checked by measuring water absorption and apparent porosity for bagasse ash-blended mortars.     

Recycled Cellulose Fiber Reinforced Plaster

This paper aims to develop recycled fiber reinforced cement plaster mortar with a good workability of fresh mixture, and insulation, mechanical and adhesive properties of the final hardened product for indoor application. The effect of the incorporation of different portions of three types of cellulose fibers from waste paper recycling into cement mortar (cement/sand ratio of 1:3) on its properties of workability, as well as other physical and mechanical parameters, was studied. The waste paper fiber (WPF) samples were characterized by their different cellulose contents, degree of polymerization, and residues from paper-making. The cement to waste paper fiber mass ratios (C/WPF) ranged from 500:1 to 3:1, and significantly influenced the consistency, bulk density, thermal conductivity, water absorption behavior, and compressive and flexural strength of the fiber-cement mortars. The workability tests of the fiber-cement mortars containing less than 2% WPF achieved optimal properties corresponding to plastic mortars (140–200 mm). The development of dry bulk density and thermal conductivity values of 28-day hardened fiber-cement mortars was favorable with a declining C/WPF ratio, while increasing the fiber content in cement mortars led to a worsening of the water absorption behavior and a lower mechanical performance of the mortars. These key findings were related to a higher porosity and weaker adhesion of fibers and cement particles at the matrix-fiber interface. The adhesion ability of fiber-cement plastering mortar based on WPF samples with the highest cellulose content as a fine filler and two types of mixed hydraulic binder (cement with finely ground granulated blast furnace slag and natural limestone) on commonly used substrates, such as brick and aerated concrete blocks, was also investigated. The adhesive strength testing of these hardened fiber-cement plaster mortars on both substrates revealed lime-cement mortar to be more suitable for fine plaster. The different behavior of fiber-cement containing finely ground slag manifested in a greater depth of the plaster layer failure, crack formation, and in greater damage to the cohesion between the substrate and mortar for the observed time.     

Recycling Blast Furnace Ferronickel Slag as a Replacement for Paste in Mortar: Formation of Carboaluminate,Reduction of White Portland Cement,and Increase in Strength

Blast furnace ferronickel slag (BFFS) is generated in the production of ferronickel alloys and is used as cement replacement in concrete or mortar. The effectivity in reducing cement consumption and improving performance are limited. By referring to the paste replacement method, this work used BFFS to replace an equal volume of the white Portland cement paste to obtain greater performance enhancement. BFFS was used with five levels of replacement (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%) and four water-to-cement ratios (0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55) were designed. Fluidity, mechanical strength, hydration products, and pore structure of every mixture were measured. The results showed that the workability of the mortars decreased due to the reduced volume of water, but the 28-day compressive strength of the mortars increased, and the cement content of the mortars was also reduced by 33 wt %. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns revealed that there existed a carboaluminate phase, and the presence of the ettringite was stabilized, indicating that the accumulating amount of the hydration products of the mortar increased. Furthermore, the BFFS could consume the portlandite and free water to form a higher amount of chemically bound water due to its pozzolanic activity. A high degree of hydration and a large volume of the hydration products refined the porosity of the hardened mortars, which explained the enhancement of the strength of the mortars. Compared to the cement replacement method, the paste replacement method was more effective in preparing eco-friendly mortar or concrete by recycling BFFS for reducing the cement content of the mortar while improving its strength.     

Preparation and Characterization of Electromagnetic-Induced Rupture Microcapsules for Self-Repairing Mortars

Cement-based materials are susceptible to internal cracks during service, leading to a reduction in their durability. Microcapsules can effectively self-repair cracks in cement-based materials. In this study, novel electromagnetic-induced rupture microcapsules (DWMs) were prepared by using the melt dispersion method with Fe₃O₄ nano-particles/polyethylene wax as the shell and epoxy resin as the repairing agent. The core fraction, compactness, particle size distribution, morphology, and chemical structure of DWMs were characterized. DWMs were subsequently incorporated into the mortar to measure the pore size distribution, compressive strength recovery, and maximum amplitudes of the pre-damaged mortar after self-repairing. DWMs were also evaluated for their ability to self-repair cracks on mortar surfaces. The results showed that the core fraction, remaining weight (30 days), and mean size of DWMs were 72.5%, 97.6 g, and 220 μm, respectively. SEM showed that the DWMs were regular spherical with a rough surface and could form a good bond with cement matrix. FTIR indicated that the epoxy resin was successfully encapsulated in the Fe₃O₄ nano-particles/polyethylene wax. After 15 days of self-repairing, the harmful pore ratio, compressive strength recovery, and maximum amplitude of the pre-damaged mortars were 48.97%, 91.9%, and 24.03 mV, respectively. The mortar with an initial crack width of 0.4–0.5 mm was self-repaired within 7 days. This indicated that the incorporation of DWMs can improve the self-repair ability of the mortar. This work is expected to provide new insights to address the mechanism of microcapsule rupture in self-repairing cement-based materials.     

Analysis of Early-Age Hydration Behavior and Micro-Mechanism of Coral Sand Cement Mortar

Coral sand cement (CSC) mortar is increasingly used in reef projects, which is prepared by mixing coral sand with cement and water in certain proportions. Considering that early-age hydration behavior is closely related to the strength and durability of the mortar, the early-age hydration process and micro-morphology of CSC mortars with various water–cement ratios (W/C) and sand–cement ratios (S/C) were studied. A monitoring system based on FBG is proposed in this paper, which uses the high sensitivity and conformability of optical fiber to measure the hydration temperature and internal shrinkage strain simultaneously and continuously. The standard sand cement (SSC) mortar with the same sand gradation and mix proportion is also prepared for comparison. The micro-morphology is observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) for measurement results’ explanation. The results show that the variation of the hydration temperature and shrinkage strain with hydration time of both CSC mortars and SSC mortars follow a unimodal function. Differently, the peak hydration temperature for CSC is obviously lower than that of SSC. The peak temperature of CSC mortar decreases linearly with the increase in S/C, and the decrease rate of the peak temperature is higher for CSC with small W/C than that with higher W/C. For mortars with lower W/C, the peak shrinkage strain of CSC is larger than that of SSC. Meanwhile, for mortars with higher W/C, the peak shrinkage strain of CSC changes to be lower than that of SSC, which is attributed to the significant water absorption characteristic of CSC. Therefore, as an eco-friendly lightweight aggregate, CS is more suitable than SS for the design of high W/C and alleviating the hydration heat of mass concrete under the meeting of strength.     

Innovative Calcium Carbonate-Based Products to Repair Cracked Cement Mortars

The durability of Portland cement mortars is often affected by environmental factors, which can cause physicochemical and mechanical degradation processes. In this study, the performance of three products, calcium acetoacetate and calcium tetrahydrofurfuryloxide dissolved in two different solvents developed and tested as stone consolidants, was evaluated in terms of crack filling or sealing and consolidation. Realistic cracks were induced in quasibrittle cement mortar prisms using a custom-designed test rig. The effectiveness and the performance of the considered treatments, investigated on specimens, were evaluated by optical and scanning electron microscopy, colourimetry, water absorption rate, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and surface hardness measurements. Results revealed that, in the examined conditions, the products were more suitable as surface consolidants than as crack fillers.     

Enhanced Mechanical and Durability Properties of Cement Mortar by Using Alumina Nanocoating on Carbon Nanofibers

This study evaluated the effect of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) coated by aluminum oxide Al₂O₃ as a reinforcement on compressive strength, frost resistance, and drying shrinkage of cement mortars. Three weight ratios of 0.125%, 0.25%, and 0.5% of Al₂O₃/CNFs and bare CNF cement mortars were compared with reference cement mortar samples. The reactive porous and high surface area layer of alumina induced the hydration reaction and promoted the production of well-distributed hydration gel. Derivative thermal analysis–differential thermogravimetric (TGA-DTG) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) characterization showed that Al₂O₃/CNFs reinforcement led to greater hydration gel production than bare CNFs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed to study the coating and microstructure of the cement mortars evaluated in this paper. The results show that the optimum enhancement of the cement mortar properties was obtained at ratios of 0.125% for Al₂O₃/CNFs and 0.25% for CNFs. This enhancement was greater with Al₂O₃/CNFs-reinforced specimens in terms of high compressive strength, less compressive strength degradation after 150 cycles, and less drying shrinkage. The low use of the CNFs in Al₂O₃/CNFs samples indicates the coating is an economical and promising approach for improving the performance of cement mortars.     

Long-Term Behavior of Cement Mortars Based on Municipal Solid Waste Slag and Natural Zeolite—A Comprehensive Physico-Mechanical,Structural and Chemical Assessment

Limitations in natural aggregate resources and the continuous increase in the demand for concrete as a building material, as well as the increase in the production of waste and the problem with its storage were the reasons for attempts to replace the sand fraction in cement matrices with a corresponding slag fraction. Municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) slag, which is a product of waste incineration, can be used as an aggregate. This extends its service life and reduces landfill waste. Therefore, three types of cement mortars with different aggregate composition were prepared. In addition, to increase the durability of the cement matrix and the degree of immobilization of harmful heavy metals and salts present in the slag, a natural zeolite with pozzolanic properties was used. A set of tests was carried out on fresh mortar and hardened mortar, including strength tests after 7, 28 and 360 days. What is more, chemical tests were undertaken, including the content of chlorides and sulfates, leaching using the TCLP method and oxide composition. The conducted tests revealed that all mortars had similar strength properties and demonstrated the effectiveness of immobilizing harmful substances contained in the municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) slag by cementing.     

The Effects of Temperature Curing on the Strength Development,Transport Properties,and Freeze-Thaw Resistance of Blast Furnace Slag Cement Mortars Modified with Nanosilica

This investigation studies the effects of hot water and hot air curing on the strength development, transport properties, and freeze-thaw resistance of mortars incorporating low-heat blast furnace slag cement and nanosilica (NS). Mortar samples were prepared and stored in ambient conditions for 24 h. After demolding, mortar samples were subjected to two different hot curing methods: Hot water and hot air curing (40 °C and 60 °C) for 24 h. For comparison purposes, mortar reference mixes were prepared and cured in water and air at ambient conditions. Strength development (from 1 to 180 days), capillary water porosity, water sorptivity, and freeze-thaw resistance were tested after 180 days of curing. The experimental results showed that both curing regimes accelerate the strength development of mortars, especially in the first seven days of hydration. The highest early strengths were reported for mortars subjected to a temperature of 60 °C, followed by those cured at 40 °C. The hot water curing regime was found to be more suitable, as a result of more stable strength development. Similar findings were observed in regard to durability-related properties. It is worth noting that thermal curing can more efficiently increase strength in the presence of nanosilica, suggesting that NS is more effective in enhancing strength under thermal curing.     

Performance of Sustainable Mortars Made with Filler from Different Construction By-Products

One way to contribute to sustainability in the construction sector is through the incorporation of construction by-products from their own activities. This work intends to extend the possibilities for enhancement of these by-products through the incorporation of four different ones, as fillers, in mortar production. The influence of these incorporations in mortar production was compared with a reference mortar with siliceous filler in its fresh state; workability, entrained air content and fresh density, and in its hardened state; capillary water absorption, water vapour permeability and shrinkage (up to 91 days); and adhesive, compressive, and flexural strength; the last two were studied over time (up to 180 days). Despite the reduction in compressive strength, both in the short and long term, there was a gain in adhesive strength when the construction by-products were incorporated. Regarding the physical properties and durability studied, no relevant differences were found with respect to the reference mortar. According to the European Specifications, these mortars could be used as regular or coloured rendering and plastering mortars, and masonry mortars, and these findings promote the circular economy in the construction sector.     

Strength and Water-Repelling Properties of Cement Mortar Mixed with Water Repellents

In this study, the compressive strength and water contact angle of mortar specimens prepared by mixing two types of water repellent with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and rapid-hardening cement mortar were measured before and after surface abrasion. In addition, the hydration products and chemical bonding of cement mortar with the repellents were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) to evaluate the performance of these cement mortar mixtures as repair materials. We found that the fast-hardening cement mortar mixture containing the oligomer water repellent showed the best performance with a high compressive strength and large water contact angle. With the oligomer water repellent, the rapid-hardening cement mortar mixture showed contact angles of 131° and 126° even after a 2 mm abrasion, thereby confirming that the water repellent secured hydrophobicity through strong bonding with the entire cement mortar as well as its surface. The compressive strengths were found to be 34.5 MPa at 3 h and 54.8 MPa at 28 days, confirming that hydration occurred well despite the addition of water repellent.     

Influence of the Type of Cement on the Action of the Admixture Containing Aluminum Powder

The study of the effect of cement type on the action of an admixture increasing the volume of concrete (containing aluminum powder), used in amounts of 0.5–1.5% of cement mass, was presented. The tests were carried out on cement mortars with Portland (CEM I) and ground granulated blast-furnace slag cement (CEM III). The following tests were carried out for the tested mortars: the air content in fresh mortars, compressive strength, flexural strength, increase in mortar volume, bulk density, pore structure evaluation (by the computer image analysis method) and changes in the concentration of OH⁻ ions during the hydration of used cements. Differences in the action of the tested admixture depending on the cement used were found. To induce the expansion of CEM III mortars, a smaller amount of admixture is required than in the case of CEM I cement. Using the admixture in amounts above 1% of the cement mass causes cracks of mortars with CEM III cement due to slow hydrogen evolution, which occurs after mortar plasticity is lost. The use of an aluminum-containing admixture reduces the strength properties of the cement mortars, the effect being stronger in the case of CEM III cement. The influence of the sample molding time on the admixture action was also found.     

Effect of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes on Strength and Electrical Properties of Cement Mortar

This work aims to investigate the effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the strength and electrical properties of cement mortar. MWCNTs were added to cement mortar in four different concentrations: 0.00 wt.%, 0.01 wt.%, 0.015 wt.%, and 0.02 wt.% by the mass of cement. The consistency, density, setting time and compressive and flexural strength of mixes were tested and analyzed at 28 and 90 days curing time. Mechanical performance tests confirm an increase of 25% and 20% in the ultimate compressive and flexural strength respectively, which results from MWCNT 0.02 wt.% loading at 90 days curing time. The resistivity measurements in mortars with 0.01 and 0.015 wt.% MWCNT loading result up to 10% decrement at both 28 and 90 days curing. Activation energy calculations show fully accordance with these statements, resuming that 0.01 wt.% MWCNT appears to be the most effective loading scheme to produce certain conductivity enhancement in cement mortar.     

Preliminary Study on the Utilization of RHA as a Performance Enhancer for Rubber Mortar

In this study, rice husk ash (RHA) was explored as a strength enhancer for mortars containing waste rubber. The effects of RHA on the flow, mechanical strength, chloride resistance, and capillary absorption of rubber mortar were investigated by substituting up to 20% cement with RHA. The experimental results showed that the incorporation of rubber into mortar could be safely achieved by adding RHA as a cement substitute by up to 20% without compromising the compressive strength of mortar. Moreover, the RHA also exerted positive effects on the enhancement of the chloride resistance as well as the capillary absorption of rubber mortars, for which 15% RHA was found to be the optimal dosage.     

Microstructural,Mechanical and Radiological Characterization of Mortars Made with Granite Sand

The study reported the effect of granite sand on strength and microstructural developments in mortars prepare from OPC with a high coal fly ash (FA) content or from hybrid alkaline cements. The radiological behaviour of the resulting mortars was compared to materials prepared with siliceous sand (with particles sizes of <2 mm) and the relationship between such radiological findings and mortar microstructure and strength was explored. A new method for determining natural radionuclides and their activity concentration Index (ACI) on cement mortars (specifically to solid 5-cm cubic specimens) was applied and validated. The microstructural changes associated in mortars have no effect on mortar radiological content measurements. The mortars with granite sand exhibited very high ACI > 0.96, which would ultimately limit their use. A conclusion of interest is that where information is at hand on the starting materials (OPC, FA, sand, admixtures), their proportions in the mortar and the mixing liquid content (water or alkaline activators) their radiological content is accurately predicted. The inference is that a mortar’s radiological content and ACI can be known prior to mixing, providing a criterion for determining its viability. That in turn lowers environmental risks and the health hazards for people in contact with such materials.     

Physicomechanical and Antimicrobial Characteristics of Cement Composites with Selected Nano-Sized Oxides and Binary Oxide Systems

In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the durability of building materials, including those based on cementitious binders. Important aspects of durability include the increase of the strength of the cement matrix and enhancement of material resistance to external factors. The use of nanoadditives may be a way to meet these expectations. In the present study, zinc, titanium and copper oxides, used in single and binary systems (to better the effect of their performance), were applied as additives in cement mortars. In the first part of this work, an extensive physicochemical analysis of oxides was carried out, and in the second, their application ranges in cement mortars were determined. The subsequent analyses were employed in determining the physicochemical properties of pristine oxides: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), measurement of the particle size distribution, as well as zeta potential measurement depending on the pH values. Influence on selected physicomechanical parameters of the cement matrix and resistance to the action of selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi were also examined. Our work indicated that all nanoadditives worsened the mechanical parameters of mortars during the first 3 days of hardening, while after 28 days, an improvement was achieved for zinc and titanium(IV) oxides. Binary systems and copper(II) oxide deteriorated in strength parameters throughout the test period. In contrast, copper(II) oxide showed the best antibacterial activity among all the tested oxide systems. Based on the inhibitory effect of the studied compounds, the following order of microbial susceptibility to inhibition of growth on cement mortars was established (from the most susceptible, to the most resistant): E. coli < S. aureus < C. albicans < B. cereus = P. aeruginosa < P. putida.