Improvement of Flexural and Compressive Strength of Cement Mortar by Graphene Nanoplatelets

In order to provide space for improving the durability of engineering structures by enhancing strength, the addition of nanomaterials has become a research trend in recent years. Graphene and its derivatives have unique properties and have been used in certain fields, which has also stimulated continuous and in-depth research on whether it can improve structural strength.

This paper investigates the mechanical properties and mechanism of cement-based materials reinforced by Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNPs).

Macroscopically, the flexural strength and compressive strengths of cement mortar were tested. Microscopically, the structure and composition were characterized and analyzed by SEM, EDS, and XRD.

The results show that the mechanical properties of modified cement mortar are directly related to the GNPs content. When the GNPs content is 0.04wt%, the flexural and compressive strength can still be increased by 12.8% and 33.9% after 28 d. Furthermore, the appropriate content of GNPs dispersed in the cement matrix played a role in promoting cement hydration. The interconnection with hydration products further reduces cracks and pores so that the cement composites form a denser microstructure.

The results obtained above would provide references for understanding the reinforcement mechanism of GNPs.