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Due to improved mechanical properties, nano-alumina (NA) addition has been considered as an interesting method to promote the performance of cement composites. To investigate the enhancing effect of NA on the fire resistance of cement-based composites, the physical and mechanical properties of NA-modified cement composites (NAMCCs) were experimentally measured after exposure to high temperatures (up to 800 °C). The variation mechanism of the physical properties of NAMCCs with increasing temperature was explored using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods. Increasing temperature leads to a gradual decrease in density and ultrasonic wave velocity but an overall increase in mass loss. The addition of NA particles effectively improved the mechanical properties of hardened cement pastes after heat treatment at all the temperatures studied. The compressive strength, elastic modulus and flexural strength all gradually decrease with increasing temperature. Combined with the changes in XRD and SEM, three regions are identified for the variation in mechanical performance in the temperature range of 20~400 °C, 400~600 °C and 600~800 °C. Finally, the relation between the physical and mechanical parameters of these regions was evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]