Influence of GGBFS on corrosion resistance of cementitious composites containing graphene and graphene oxide

Abstract

Previous studies extensively focused on the mechanical characteristics of cementitious composites containing carbon-based nanomaterials. However, no specific research has concentrated on corrosion performance. Hence, the present study intends to experimentally determine the effect of graphene (G) and graphene oxide (GO) on the corrosion resistance of composites by conducting various tests, including accelerated corrosion, linear polarization, half-cell potential, and electrical resistivity tests. Two different dosages, 0.03% and 0.06%, are considered for nanomaterials. Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) is also used to adjust the fresh properties of composites with different percentages (15%, 30%, and 45%). Results show the synergistic influence of nanomaterials (0.03%) and GGBFS (30%) as being at the root of a considerable increase in compressive strength. They also indicate that GO has a stronger synergy with GGBFS in improving compressive strength as compared to G. However, flexural test results show that G is more compatible with GGBFS due to the reinforcing effect in controlling crack width developed in bending. Further, the results strongly confirm that adding GGBFS in nanoconcrete significantly improves the corrosion resistance of composites. Moreover, among all mixtures, composite with 45% GGBFS and 0.03% GO shows the best performance against the corrosive environment, even for saltwater immersion.