Production and Characterization of GRC-SWCNT Composites for Shell Elements

Abstract

Nano-sized defects in Glass fiber Reinforced Concrete (GRC) shell elements can cause damage over time, leading to mechanical and durability problems. Therefore, in this study an experimental program was conducted to investigate the application of single-walled carbon nanotube as a nano-additive material in GRC. Since there is no study on GRC-carbon nanotube (CNT) composites in the literature, the behavior of CNTs on conventional concretes was discussed. Five different GRC-SWCNT composite mixtures containing 0, 0.007, 0.010, 0.015 and 0.020 wt.% single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) were obtained. Calcined kaolin and acrylic polymer were used as pozzolanic and chemical modification materials in the mixtures, respectively. Workability, density, capillarity, pressure, flexural, tensile, impact, Leeb hardness and FE-SEM tests of the produced samples were carried out. According to the results obtained, the optimum SWCNT ratio in GRC mixtures was found to be 0.015 %. It was observed that there was a linear relationship between the mechanical results. FE-SEM images confirmed that SWCNTs act as bridges for micro-cracks and reinforce the microstructure.