Utilization of Graphene as a Construction Material for Sustainable Buildings

Abstract

Sustainability in construction has been an everlasting global goal to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases that have had detrimental effects on the environment and negatively impacted human life in general. Graphene, a two-dimensional material exhibiting exceptionally desirable properties, has shown great potential to impact the building and construction sectors significantly. Graphene and its derivatives can easily be used as an additive in concrete-based composites (CBC) to improve their mechanical and durability properties and their safety, with prospects of fostering sustainability. This paper uses a scoping and compressive thorough mixed review approach, and this research aims to assess the endeavors in utilizing Graphene and Its derivatives in cementitious composites and to chart the perspectives found in the existing literature. The paper selected 64 articles from a pool of 576 publications based on their relevance. The comprehensive review concludes that the benefit of using Graphene and its derivatives as a reinforcement in cement composites lies in its superior ability to improve mechanical properties, including tensile strength and compressive strength, and improves durability by restricting crack initiation and expansion at the nanoscale, and enhances resistance to chloride and sulphate attacks as well as improving the safety of concrete based composites, setting it apart from traditional reinforcement methods.