High-performance Cementitious Composites Containing Nanostructured Carbon Additives Made from Charred Coal Fines

Abstract

Abstract Graphene-based nanomaterials, such as graphene nanoplatelets, graphene oxide, and graphene quantum dots, have many possible end-use applications due to their ability to impart unique mechanical, electrical, thermal, and optical properties to composites. Despite this potential, these materials are rarely used in the construction industry due to high material costs and limited data on performance and durability. In this study, domestic coal is used to fabricate low-cost carbon nanomaterials that can be used economically in cement formulations. A range of chemical and physical processing approaches are employed to control the size, morphology, and chemical functionalization of the carbon nanomaterial, which improves its miscibility with cement formulations and its impact on mechanical properties and durability. At low loadings of coal-derived carbon nanomaterials, significant improvements are observed in the mechanical properties (compressive strength and flexural strength) of enhanced cement and concrete composites. In addition, a decrease in porosity and permeability was observed, as well as a decrease in chloride penetration depth, which should improve the durability and corrosion resistance of these graphene-based cement composites.