Preparation and Mechanical Properties of Graphene Oxide: Cement Nanocomposites

Abstract

We investigate the performance of graphene oxide (GO) in improving mechanical properties of cement composites. A polycarboxylate superplasticizer was used to improve the dispersion of GO flakes in the cement. The mechanical strength of graphene-cement nanocomposites containing 0.1–2 wt% GO and 0.5 wt% superplasticizer was measured and compared with that of cement prepared without GO. We found that the tensile strength of the cement mortar increased with GO content, reaching 1.5%, a 48% increase in tensile strength. Ultra high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) used to observe the fracture surface of samples containing 1.5 wt% GO indicated that the nano-GO flakes were well dispersed in the matrix, and no aggregates were observed. FE-SEM observation also revealed good bonding between the GO surfaces and the surrounding cement matrix. In addition, XRD diffraction data showed growth of the calcium silicate hydrates (C-S-H) gels in GO cement mortar compared with the normal cement mortar.

Review on concrete nanotechnology

“…This technology is owned by Monash University and is protected by Patent PCT/AU2012/001582. Babak, Abolfaz, Alimorad, and Parviz (2014) synthesised GO using exfoliation of graphite oxide prepared by a colloidal suspension route. They used it to fabricate GO-cement nanocomposites by means of an ultrasonic method and concluded that the use of an optimal percentage (1.5 wt%) of GO nanoplatelets caused a 48% increase in the tensile strength of the cement mortar specimens.…”

“…Using FE-SEM observation of the fracture surface of the samples containing 1.5 wt% GO, these authors revealed that the GO nanoplatelets were well dispersed and no GO agglomerates were seen in the matrix. Babak et al (2014) showed the growth of C-S-H gels in GO cement mortar because of the nucleation of C-S-H by the GO flakes. Due to the higher surface energy and the presence of hydrophilic groups on the GO surfaces, the hydrated cement products deposited on the GO flakes acted as a nucleation site.…”

Co-effects of graphene oxide sheets and single wall carbon nanotubes on mechanical properties of cement

“…Those impressive mechanical natures stimulated interesting research in applying graphene as a superlative filler in reinforced composites [24,25]. Graphene oxide (GO), which possesses a high specific surface area and ultrahigh strength [26], can easily form composites with polymer and ceramic materials with chemical bonds, affecting cement hydration crystal shape and increasing its flexural and compressive strength [27][28][29][30][31].…”

Polymer nanocomposites for structural applications: Recent trends and new perspectives

“…However it is possible to present some that may lead to further developments. For example, Babak et al [55] synthesized GO using exfoliation of graphite oxide prepared by a colloidal suspension route of polycarboxylate superplasticizer. They used it to fabricate GO-cement nanocomposites by means of an ultrasonic method and concluded that the use of an optimal percentage (1.5 wt%) of GO nanoplatelets caused a 48% increase in the tensile strength of the cement mortar specimens.…”