Cement-based materials with graphene nanophase

Cement matrix composites with a conductive nano-reinforcement phase, lead to the development of innovative products. A matrix with carbon based nano-inclusions (graphene, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, carbon black) obtains multi-functional properties like enhanced mechanical, electrical, elastic and thermal properties and, therefore, the advantage of self-sensing in case of an inner defect. This research aims to characterize the nano-modified cement mortars with different concentrations of graphene nanophase. The results will be compared with data obtained from nanomaterials containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Comprehensive characteristics of these cement-based nanocomposites have been determined using destructive and nondestructive laboratory techniques. Flexural and compressive strength were measured. During four point bending tests, acoustic emission monitoring allowed for real-time identification of the damage process in the material. The electrical surface resistivity of graphene-reinforced cement mortars was measured by applying a known DC voltage, and compared to the electrical resistivity of nano-modified mortars with carbon nanotubes.