Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the potential use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which are an innovative construction material preferred by many researchers. Long-term microstructure enhancement and on-site application are major reasons to conduct research on CNT-cement composites; thus, a study on mechanical properties as well as the thermal conductivity of CNT-cement composites was carried out. As the CNT content increased, the thermal conductivity of CNT-cement composites was also enhanced. In addition, a couple of microstructure analyses such as isothermal calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis and SEM-EDS (Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) for observing hydration reaction rate and types of hydration products were conducted to establish the advantage of CNT use in cement composites. Strength development of CNT-cement composites at early ages was slow, although eventually CNTs containing water developed equivalent level of strengths at last as internal curing effects.
Highlights
Cement, the major component for concrete, consists of calcium silicates (C3 S, C2 S), calcium aluminate (C3 A), and calcium alumino-ferrite (C4 AF)
Li et al [4] and Konsta-Gdoutos et al [5] reported that the addition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) improved the early age strength of concrete, and CNTs with a large surface area caused the quick formation of cement hydrates and an increase in the ratio of the calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel
In order to evaluate the effects of multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) additions on the chemical and mechanical properties of cement paste and mortar, 2% concentrated MWCNT solution, which evenly disperses in solutions with high-range water reducer, was used
Summary
The major component for concrete, consists of calcium silicates (C3 S, C2 S), calcium aluminate (C3 A), and calcium alumino-ferrite (C4 AF). In the last several decades, various methods to improve strength and durability of concrete have been examined by many researchers, such as the use of fly ash (FA) or ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS)—by-products from the fossil-fuel power and iron industry—and the use of mineral additives such as silica fumes [1,2,3]. The additions of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or graphene to cement composites or concrete have been shown to improve the mechanical properties and durability of concrete as well as its electrical and thermal conductivity. Li et al [4] and Konsta-Gdoutos et al [5] reported that the addition of CNTs improved the early age strength of concrete, and CNTs with a large surface area caused the quick formation of cement hydrates and an increase in the ratio of the C-S-H gel. Choi et al [8] reported that 1% of CNT
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