A critical review of carbon nanomaterials applied in cementitious composites – a focus on mechanical properties and dispersion techniques

Yaghobian, M; Whittleston, GS

Abstract

This paper provides a current overarching review of several commonly used carbon nanomaterials applied within cementitious composites. It reviews the typical weight percentages used within mixes from several researchers in the field and assesses the application of these nanomaterials on the mechanical properties. Mechanical properties covered include compressive strength, flexural strength and tensile strength as well as elastic modulus. It was clear from this extensive but initial review that the dispersion methods and techniques used during mixing not only influenced the mechanical properties but also influenced the percentages of nanomaterials used in the mixes. This leads to a further review of dispersion methods and dispersion measurement techniques in order to gain insight into the best approach to take. The effect of dispersion methods on the quantities of nanomaterials used in mixes raised an interesting, last review on pricing comparisons (2020) and the development of a cost-to -weight ratio to better evaluate and compare between options from a cost perspective. Recommendations from this extensive review include; low percentage of graphene oxide provides better improvement compared with other carbon nanomaterials; Use of superplasticiser in mixes such as ADVA 210 to better aid dispersion; use of ultra-sonication for a short cycle to improve dispersion; and finally, a mixed mode approach to the measurement of dispersion in mixes which includes scanning electron microscope (SEM) + ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis) testing at solution phase + Mechanical properties after 28 days.

Citation

Yaghobian, M., & Whittleston, G. (in press). A critical review of carbon nanomaterials applied in cementitious composites – a focus on mechanical properties and dispersion techniques. Alexandria engineering journal : AEJ, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2021.08.053

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 20, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Oct 7, 2021
• Deposit Date: Nov 2, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 2, 2021
• Journal: Alexandria Engineering Journal
• Print ISSN: 1110-0168
• Publisher: Elsevier
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2021.08.053
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2021.08.053
• Related Public URLs: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/alexandria-engineering-journal