Rheological behavior, hydration, and mechanical properties of LC3 systems with the incorporation of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Abstract Alternatives to conventional Portland cement with a more sustainable appeal are increasingly recurrent. Among these are the Limestone Calcined Clay (LC3) systems, characterized by high replacement percentages of Portland clinker by calcined clay and limestone, materials widely available worldwide. A complete understanding of the rheological behavior of LC3 systems is necessary for the practical application of this type of cement to be consolidated. Furthermore, although not yet investigated, the incorporation of nanomaterials stands out as a promising alternative for accelerating reactions and enhancing the mechanical performance of these systems at early ages. This study investigated the incorporation of carbon nanotubes (CNT) contents from 0.05 to 0.125% in an LC3 system through rotational rheometry, isothermal calorimetry, compressive strength at 7 and 28 days, and X-ray diffraction. Although the CNT incorporation increased the dynamic yield stress and equivalent viscosity of the LC3 pastes, the content of 0.1 wt.% slightly increased and anticipated the occurrence of the main peak of the aluminates. Increases of up to 13.5% in compressive strength at 7 and 28 days of hydration were observed for a CNT content of 0.1 wt.%.