Effect of graphene oxide and nano silica on mechanical and durability properties of cement mortar

Abstract

Nowadays, nano-technology has already influenced many fields, including civil engineering also. Cementitious composites contain various nanomaterials that have considered as novel materials with improved microstructure, mechanical and durability properties. Recently graphene oxide and nano silica have appeared as the most promising nano-materials for civil engineering applications. However, graphene oxide and nano silica addition in the cement mortar improves the compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength. Ultra-high resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis are used to see the fracture surface of samples containing 0.07% GO and 4.5% of NS to the weight of cement indicated that GO and NS flakes were well dispersed in the cement mortar matrix and no aggregates were observed. The compressive, bending, and split tensile strength of cement mortar, which contains 0.07% GO and 4.5% of NS by weight of cement after 28 days of curing, is raised by 22.25%, 38.77%, and 10.25%, respectively, as compared to regular cement mortar. These durability studies, such as acid resistance and salt resistance, the weight loss was found in acid, and salt immersion addition of GO&NS shows good resistance in the cement matrix. In addition, SEM analysis has shown the growth of calcium silicate hydrates (C-S-H Gel) in GO and NS cement mortar has compared with normal cement mortar.