Enhancement of structural and mechanical properties of magnesium oxychloride cement due to graphene addition

Abstract

In recent years, graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) as nano-sized additives to building materials began attracted an extensive attention due to their improving effect on pore structure, microstructure, mechanical, electrical, and other properties. This study is focused on incorporation of GNPs into magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC). MOC, which is formed during the reaction of caustic calcined magnesia and magnesium chloride, is considered as an environmentally friendly construction material, particularly for its CO2−neutrality. Raw materials were characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). GNPs were then added into the MOC mixture in the amount of 0.5 wt. %. The effect of graphene on the parameters of studied MOC paste was investigated in terms of its bulk density, specific density, open porosity, compressive and flexural strength, Young’s modulus of elasticity, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and SEM. Results revealed that the addition of GNPs improve the open porosity and mechanical properties, significant increase was observed particularly for compressive strength. The developed GNP-MOC composites characterized by the high strength and low porosity can be considered as promising material intended for application civil engineering.