A review on the fresh properties, mechanical and durability performance of graphene-based cement composites

Abstract

In real-world applications, composite materials based on cement that have excellent mechanical and durability properties are always preferred. The research establishment as a whole agrees that concrete, the most widely used building material in the world, must be produced at the nanoscale, where its chemical and physiochemical properties can be greatly enhanced. The microstructure of hydration gel has been reported in the current literature to be greatly improved by the high-surface volume ratio of nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), nano silica, and nano alumina, which when used as additives in cementitious materials as strengthening additives. Recent advancements in materials science and nanotechnology have resulted in another promising nanomaterial, graphene, which may be employed as a nano-sized addition for concrete mixtures. In terms of mechanical and durability properties, cement matrix mixed with nanomaterials based on graphene performs significantly better due to a significant reduction of micro-cracks owing to its high surface area and tremendous ultimate tensile strength of graphene (130 GPa) and elastic modulus (1.1TPa). In this paper, recent research on graphene-based concrete was critically reviewed. By contrasting the fresh, mechanical, and durability qualities, the performance of cement composite is examined. Additionally, a thorough discussion of the strategies for improving the dispersion characteristics of graphene and its byproducts (edge-oxidized graphene, graphene oxide, and minimized graphene oxide) was conducted.The optimum dosages of graphene/graphene derivatives in concrete with respect to compressive, tensile, flexural strengths, and permeability were articulated with respect to the existing research works. The key obstacles and potential of graphene-based reinforced cement composites will be reviewed in order to give positive insights and suggestions for future investigations.