The Effects of the Addition of Polyurethane–MgO Nanohybrids on the Mechanical Properties of Ordinary Portland Cement Paste

One of the most important methods of controlling the properties of concrete and cement-based materials is to control the rate and kinetics of cement hydration. In the present study, novel flexible polyurethane-decorated MgO nanohybrids were synthesized using a simple chemical method, added to cement paste in different amounts, and utilized as an effective mechanical performance-enhancing factor for cement paste. It was observed that by adding 3 wt% synthesized PU-MgO nanohybrids to cement paste, its mechanical properties were improved and its compressive strength and flexural strength were increased by up to 13% and 15%, respectively, compared to the plain cement, after 45 days. The effect mechanism of adding PU–MgO nanoparticles on the properties of the cement paste was investigated. The addition of PU–MgO nanohybrids increased the pozzolanic reactions and formed more C-S-H phases.