Variation of Concrete Strength with the Insertion of Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

Nanomaterials could change the face of modern construction because they are more resistant, more durable and have notable features. Concrete is a material widely used in construction industry worldwide. Carbon nanotube has been considered a new and outstanding material in nanoscience field with great potential application in the construction industry. The study presented in this paper, aims at assessing how carbon nanotubes can affect cement composites and so the concrete, in terms of microstructure and physical-mechanical properties. Three different ratios of carbon nanotubes have been searched: 0.20%, 0.40% and 0.60%. To evaluate the mechanical properties of the samples, destructive and non-destructive tests were carried out to obtain compressive strength, tensile strength by diametrical compression, dynamic modulus of elasticity as well as the determination of their deformation properties. This work also aims to motivate entrepreneurs and professionals in the sector of civil engineering on the advantages of the application of nanotechnology in construction, as well as providing information to the scientific and technological community in general.