Observation of 5-nanometer silica and other atomic-scale subjects is part of the Concrete Science program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology-hosted Concrete Sustainability Hub. Researchers have recently outlined the potential for “Gorilla Cement,” a nod to the thin, high strength Gorilla Glass that Corning Inc. has parlayed for smartphone, mobile device and laptop screens the world over. Viewing cement at the nano-scale, CSHub investigators aim to pinpoint clinker phase chemistry changes netting higher silica content in calcium silicate hydrate. The effect would likely parallel concrete performance characteristics observed with colloidal silica admixtures or slab finishing agents.

http://www.concreteproducts.com/opinion/editorial/8442-sizing-up-nano-scale-materials.html#.VErOEJPF_yM

Borrowing from a ‘rigidity theory’ that has led Corning Inc. engineers to the high performance Gorilla Glass—its toughness in thin sections equal to smartphone and laptop computer screens—the Concrete Sustainability Hub is studying potential portland cement reformulation aimed at higher fracture resistance than current ASTM C 150 product.

http://www.concreteproducts.com/news/8342-mit-researchers-model-stronger-cement-on-theory-behind-corning-gorilla-glass.html#.VErOE5PF_yM