Multifunctional Cement Mortars Enhanced with Graphene Nanoplatelets and Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

Recent findings have brought forward the potential of carbon nano-species, especially nanotubes and graphene, to impart exceptional multifunctional potential to cement, offering simultaneous enhancement of mechanical, fracture mechanical and electrical properties. While available knowledge on the topic is still limited, there is a complete absence of direct comparisons of the potential of the nano-species to improve strength and toughness and provide multifunctionality to the mortars. The study offers a comprehensive overview of these potentials, for mortars modified with pure graphene nanoplatelets and carbon nanotubes at consistent, directly comparable, concentrations up to 1.2 wt.%. Testing included flexure under pure bending moments, axial compression, electrical resistivity measurements and fracture tests under three point bending configuration; the latter were also independently assessed by acoustic emission. Differences in documented properties and optimal concentrations associated with improved mechanical performance were directly compared and rationalized in terms of nanospecies morphology. Dramatic, statistically consistent improvements in fracture behavior, up to 10-fold of control values, were documented for specific nanofiller concentrations, indicating an excellent potential of the material system for contemporary smart construction applications. An exceptionally favorable comparison of acoustic emission and fracture energy data confirmed that the non-destructive technique can independently assess the fracture performance of mortars with exceptional precision.

Optimization of Graphene Nanoplatelets Dispersion and Its Performance in Cement Mortars

“…The underlying mechanism was related to the high surface area and wrinkled morphology of the GNPs, which increased the roughness of the interface between GNPs and the mortar matrix, thus enhancing the cohesive forces of the cement mortar [ 52 , 53 ]. However, when GNPs are over-added, agglomeration tends to occur in the cement matrix, which increases the porosity of the cement composite, thus adversely affecting the strength of the specimen [ 54 ]. It may be the combined role of both; the GNP additive in cement mortar hasn’t indicated significant mechanical properties improvement.…”

Indirect prediction of graphene nanoplatelets-reinforced cementitious composites compressive strength by using machine learning approaches

“…A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather experimental results regarding the CS of GrNCC. Relevant data from a variety of published articles 16 , 17 , 26 , 28 , 29 , 68 – 93 that provide thorough insights into the factors and characteristics that affect compressive strength was compiled, resulting in a database comprising 172 data points as depicted in Appendix A. The selective method of data compilation looked to enhance the dataset with high-quality and appropriate information to conduct a thorough analysis of factors influencing compressive strength.…”

Effect of Coarse Aggregate and Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes on Heat Generation of Concrete

“…The results indicated that the optimal point for snow-melting performance was at a depth of 3 cm from the center of the slab. Using thermal imaging, it was confirmed that the ECON slab maintained its overall temperature, even when the outside temperature was −4.2 • C. Cement mortar mixed with CNTs is being explored in various directions in research [18][19][20][21][22]. In addition to the heating performance, previous studies have focused on the electrical performance of cement mortar mixed with CNTs.…”