Impact of ZnO and TiO₂ on C-S-H composition and its correlation with antifungal properties in cement pastes

F, Amor; H.  Agourrame; Z.  Racova; N.  Khachani; P.  Hajek

doi:10.3989/mc.2026.414925

Authors

F, Amor Laboratory of Applied Materials Chemistry, Center of Materials Science, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University, (Rabat, Morocco), Department of Building Structures, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7517-4652
H. Agourrame Laboratory of Applied Materials Chemistry, Center of Materials Science, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8794-0702
Z. Racova Department of Building Structures, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1245-5769
N. Khachani Laboratory of Applied Materials Chemistry, Center of Materials Science, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5041-0081
P. Hajek Department of Building Structures, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2389-9306

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3989/mc.2026.414925

Keywords:

Nanoparticles, ZnO, TiO2, Antifungal, Cement hydration, C-S-H, Ca/Si ratio

Abstract

This study presents a self-cleaning cement incorporating zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles, used alone or in combination. The objective is to develop high-performance materials suitable for different environments, inhibiting fungal growth while providing self-cleaning properties. In parallel, the impact of these nanoparticles on the mineralogy and structure of C-S-H was examined. Used as partial cement substitutes (0–3% by weight), the pastes were characterized after 28 days of hydration by XRD, XRF, DSC and TG to evaluate reactivity and Ca/Si ratios of the formed C-S-H. Next, a new alternative method for the indirect determination of the Ca/Si ratio of the C-S-H gel in cements is also proposed using three methods. The antimicrobial surfaces were assessed for antifungal activity against Penicillium brevicompactum, Trichoderma reesei and Aspergillus niger on Czapek-Dox agar. Results show that the addition of TiO₂ and ZnO yields fungal-resistant surfaces, promoting hygiene, sustainability and innovation in construction.

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