Synthesis of carbon nanotubes on sand grains for mortar reinforcement

• Published in: Construction & building materials Vol. 252; p. 119044
• Main Authors: Geraldo, Viviany, Oliveira, Sérgio de, Silva, Edelma Eleto da, Souza Oliveira, Carlos Augusto de, Almeida Cunha, Rodrigo Matheus de, Pontes de Oliveira, Rodrigo Filipe, Martins Oliveira, Claudio Ernani, Morais, Evandro Augusto de
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 20.08.2020
• Subjects: Carbon nanotubes; Efficient dispersion; Flexural strength; Incorporation method; Reinforced mortar; Carbon nanotubes; Incorporation method; Efficient dispersion; Reinforced mortar; Flexural strength
• ISSN: 0950-0618; 1879-0526
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.119044

•MWCNT were produced by CVD from two catalytic mixtures (with and without sand)•Mortar samples were produced with functionalized MWCNT and reinforced sand.•Samples with reinforced sand displayed higher flexural strength.•Flexural strength with reinforced sand was 26% higher than the reference. This study reports a new method of incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in mortar and the observed improvements in its mechanical properties. The method consists in growing carbon nanotubes (CNT) on sand grains prior to the mortar preparation instead of incorporating functionalized MWCNT (f-MWCNT) to the mixture. The use of additives or surfactants is not required. Flexural strength tests show an average increase of 12% in the strength when using f-MWCNT. Meanwhile, the average gain in flexural strength reached 26% with the proposed method. Also, image tests prove the efficiency of this new method in homogeneously distributing CNT bundles. Since no advanced technique is applied in producing mortar from the altered sand, the method represents a simple and economically viable way of incorporating CNT at building sites, disclosing a variety of future applications of nanotechnology in the cement industry.