Effects of CNT Dosages in Cement Composites on the Mechanical Properties and Hydration Reaction with Low Water-to-Binder Ratio

• Main Authors: Sang-Hwa Jung, Sungwoo Oh, Sung-Wook Kim, Jae-Heum Moon
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-10-01
• Series: Applied Sciences
• Subjects: cnt-cement composites; nano-materials; strengths; thermal conductivity; microstructures
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/9/21/4630

This study aimed to investigate the potential use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which are an innovative construction material preferred by many researchers. Long-term microstructure enhancement and on-site application are major reasons to conduct research on CNT-cement composites; thus, a study on mechanical properties as well as the thermal conductivity of CNT-cement composites was carried out. As the CNT content increased, the thermal conductivity of CNT-cement composites was also enhanced. In addition, a couple of microstructure analyses such as isothermal calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis and SEM-EDS (Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) for observing hydration reaction rate and types of hydration products were conducted to establish the advantage of CNT use in cement composites. Strength development of CNT-cement composites at early ages was slow, although eventually CNTs containing water developed equivalent level of strengths at last as internal curing effects.