The functionalization process usually increases the localized defects of carbon nanotubes (CNT). Thus, the ultrasonication parameters used for dispersing non-functionalized CNT should be carefully evaluated to verify if they are adequate in dispersing functionalized CNT. Although ultrasonication is widely used for non-functionalized CNT, the effect of this dispersing process of functionalized CNT has not been thoroughly investigated. Thus, this work investigated the effect of ultrasonication on functionalized CNT + superplasticizer (SP) aqueous dispersions by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Furthermore, Portland cement pastes with additions of 0.05% and 0.1% CNT by cement weight and ultrasonication amplitudes of 0%, 50% and 80% were evaluated through rheometry, isothermal calorimetry, compressive strength at 1, 7 and 28 days, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). FTIR results from CNT + SP dispersions indicated that ultrasonication may negatively affect SP molecules and CNT graphene structure. The increase in CNT content and amplitude of ultrasonication gradually increased the static and dynamic yield stress of paste but did not significantly affect its hydration kinetics. Compressive strength results indicated that the optimum CNT content was 0.05% by cement weight, which increased the strength of composite by up to 15.8% compared with the plain paste. CNT ultrasonication neither increases the degree of hydration of cement nor the mechanical performance of composite when compared with mixes containing unsonicated CNT. Overall, ultrasonication of functionalized CNT is not efficient in improving the fresh and hardened performance of cementitious composites.

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This paper evaluated the incorporation of nanosilica (NS) in rendering mortars produced with recycled fine aggregate (RFA). Initially, a study was carried out on cementitious pastes, replacing Portland cement with NS at levels of 0%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1.0%. The samples were submitted to scattering, rheology, calorimetry, x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and compressive strength analysis at 28 days. The results demonstrated that the pastes with 0.4% NS and 0.6% NS presented an increase in strength of 55% and 58%, respectively, due to a greater formation of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H), when compared with the reference paste. From that, the RFA samples were produced, replacing Portland cement with 0% NS, 0.4% NS, and 0.6% NS. At 28 days, mechanical performance, microstructure, and durability were evaluated by means of flexural strength and compression, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic elasticity module, and water absorption by capillarity. From the results, it was concluded that the RFA samples with 0.4% NS resulted in the optimal nanosilica content, increasing compressive strength values and reducing the sorptivity, in relation to the other mixtures. The SEM images suggest that NS reacted with portlandite formed of the cement hydration, improving the microstructural development of the samples.

Sonication is widely used for nanomaterials dispersion in cementitious matrices. Polycarboxylate-based superplasticizer (SP) admixtures are usually incorporated in the aqueous nanomaterials suspension before sonication to improve the dispersion of these materials. Nevertheless, the effect of sonicating SP on its molecular structure or dispersing performance has not been fully investigated. This work assessed the effect of sonicating a commercial SP at 20 kHz, 750 W power, 50 or 80% amplitude, during 15 and 30 min. Initially, the sonication effect was evaluated in aqueous suspension by determining the SP size distribution (through dynamic light scattering – DLS) and zeta potential. Subsequently, the aqueous SP suspensions were used for Portland cement paste production. Rheological tests up to 120 minutes and compressive strength at 14 and 28 days were conducted. DLS and zeta potential results suggested that sonication reduce the size of SP chains. As a result, SP sonication increased the initial dynamic yield stress, viscosity, and hysteresis area of cement pastes. In contrast, SP sonication improved its time-dependent dispersing performance, resulting in pastes with reduced viscosity from 80 minutes onwards. Finally, SP sonication did not affect the compressive strength of cement pastes at 14 and 28 days of hydration. Overall, when SP is sonicated together with nanoparticles for application in cementitious matrices, the effect of sonicating the chemical admixture must be considered when the fresh-state properties of the composite are evaluated.

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