High‐Performance Graphene‐Based Cementitious Composites. Issue 9 (7th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Krystek, Małgorzata; Pakulski, Dawid; Patroniak, Violetta; Górski, Marcin; Szojda, Leszek; Ciesielski, Artur; Samorì, Paolo
• Is Part Of: Advanced science. Volume 6:Issue 9(2019)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2019-03-07
• Subjects: consistency -- electrochemically exfoliated graphene -- mechanical properties -- Portland cement -- structural characterization; Science -- Periodicals; 505
• DOI: 10.1002/advs.201801195
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2198-3844

Abstract

Abstract: This study reports on the development of a cementitious composite incorporating electrochemically exfoliated graphene (EEG). This hybrid functional material features significantly enhanced microstructure and mechanical properties, as well as unaffected workability; thus, it outperforms previously reported cementitious composites containing graphene derivatives. The manufacturing of the composite relies on a simple and efficient method that enables the uniform dispersion of EEG within cement matrix in the absence of surfactants. Different from graphene oxide, EEG is found to not agglomerate in cement alkaline environment, thereby not affecting the fluidity of cementitious composites. The addition of 0.05 wt% graphene content to ordinary Portland cement results in an increase up to 79%, 8%, and 9% for the tensile strength, compressive strength, and Young's modulus, respectively. Remarkably, it is found that the addition of EEG promotes the hydration reaction of both alite and belite, thus leading to the formation of a large fraction of 3CaO·2SiO2 ·3H2 O (C‐S‐H) phase. These findings represent a major step forward toward the practical application of nanomaterials in civil engineering. Abstract : A cementitious composite reinforced with electrochemically exfoliated graphene is fabricated without the use of surfactants and ultrasonication. The established fabrication method ensures the appropriate workability and distribution of graphene within cement matrix. The addition of graphene accelerates the growth of the 3CaO·2SiO2 ·3H2 O (C‐S‐H) phase, thus resulting in more complex microstructure and significantly enhanced mechanical properties, in particular tensile strength.