Effect of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in cementitious material

Some percentage of nano polymer has been introduced in a cementitious material as a micro reinforcement to control the mechanical properties of cementitious materials. In this paper, graphene nano- platelets (GNPs) are consumed to enhance the mechanical properties and reduce the crack propagation of cementitious material. Graphene nanoplatelets are used as reinforcement by 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.04%, 0.08%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% of the Portland pozzolana cement's weight. The nanoparticles are scattered using a surfactant with an ultrasonic probe sonicator and cast in different mold types. All individual sets are tested in a 3-point flexure bending strength test. As a result, properties like flexural strength, Compression Strength, Young's Modulus, Toughness, and strain capacity are estimated. SEM and TEM are used to understand proper bonding and the sonication time. Increasing the percentage of GNPs, flexural strength improved by 28% to 84% com- pared to cementitious material, enhancing its toughness and young modulus. The XRD results are used to analyze the phase identification, crystalline size, crystallinity index (CI), and d-spacing for all samples of nano- cementitious materials. FTIR results are also introduced in this paper to identify the board peaks that facilitate the functional group's electron delocalization pattern. After completing this study, the microscopic and mechanical analysis may offer a key reference for graphene nanoplatelet cement composites, which can lift their strength, constancy, integrity, density and reinforce the composite microstructure. (author)