Influence of Silica Based Carbon Nano Tube Composites in Concrete

Abstract

This study focuses on the utilization of highly densified materials in cementitious composites with objectives of improving the mechanical performance and minimizing the number and size of defects. Due to their excellent mechanical properties, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are now viewed as potential candidate for reinforcement in cement composites. The present paper reports the use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as reinforcement to improve the mechanical properties of portland cement paste and creating multifunctional concrete. In order to increase the bonding, and strength, a material with intermediate fineness, highly densified silica fumes, was also utilized. The densified silica fumes along with CNT are added to cement mortar in various proportions. Small-scale specimens were prepared to measure the mechanical properties as a function of nanotube concentration and distribution. Furthermore, properties like shrinkage, permeability and alkalinity of the resultant composite were also investigated. The study addresses the significance of CNT as an additive to the enhancement of properties of cement composite.