Use of cellulose nanomaterials in cementitious composites reinforced with basalt/polymer pellets for repair of concrete

Abstract

Using cellulose nanomaterials (nano-crystalline [NC] and/or nano-fibrillated [NFC] cellulose) with a high content of supplementary cementitious materials and special class of basalt fiber/polymer (BFP) pellets could produce sustainable and resilient composites for a suite of infrastructure applications. Hence, this study investigated the development of cementitious composites comprising high content slag (50% as cement replacement), BFP (4.5% by volume), NFC ranging from 0 to 0.5% (addition to the mass of the binder) and NC (0 to 0.1% addition to the mass of the binder) to prepare multiple formulations without/with nano-silica (reference nanomaterial) for repair/overlay applications of concrete flatwork. An integrated experimental program including constructability, mechanical capacity, and durability properties as well as compatibility with substrate concrete was conducted. Findings of these tests were corroborated with thermal and microstructural tests to evaluate the hydration/pozzolanic development and pore structure features. The overall results indicated that the development of high-cementitious composites with cellulose nanomaterials is possible, as they achieved balanced behaviour in terms of workability, hardening rates, high early- and later-age compressive strengths, high ductility, improved durability, and superior thermal and elastic integrity/compatibility with the parent/normal concrete. Thus, they may present an attractive option for repair and overlay applications of concrete flatwork.