Graphene nanoplatelet for enhancement the mechanical properties and durability characteristics of alkali activated binder

• Published in: Construction & building materials Vol. 249; no. C; p. 118773
• Main Authors: Matalkah, Faris, Soroushian, Parviz
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United Kingdom Elsevier Ltd 20.07.2020; Elsevier
• Subjects: Alkali activated binder; Geopolymers; Graphene nanoplatelets; Mechanical properties; Microstructure; Mechanical properties; Graphene nanoplatelets; Geopolymers; Microstructure; Alkali activated binder
• ISSN: 0950-0618; 1879-0526
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.118773

[Display omitted] •The effects of GNP on concrete materials prepared with alkali activated cement were investigated.•Minor compressive strength gain was obtained at 0.2 vol% of GNP.•The addition of GNP at 0.2 vol% reduced the sorptivity of alkali activated cement concrete by about 35%•The addition of GNP was observed to significantly improve the abrasion resistance of concrete. The effects of the addition of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on the microstructure, heat of hydration, mechanical properties and durability characteristics of alkali activated binders were investigated. A simple mixing process led to reasonably uniform dispersion of GNPs in the matrix, with minor agglomeration of GNPs detected via scanning electron microscopy. Tests on engineering properties indicated that the compressive strength of the alkali activated binder increased with the addition of GNPs at relatively low concentrations. Gains were also realized in the abrasion resistance and moisture sorptivity of the binder with GNPs addition. The heat of hydration investigations indicated that the addition of GNPs accelerates the hydration process and increases the amount of hydration products, especially at early ages. Scanning electron microscope investigations further indicated that GNPs could impede the development of microcracks and mitigate their propagation within matrix; indications of good bonding between the GNPs and the alkali activated matrix were also noted.