Experimental investigations to study the effect of carbon nanotubes reinforced in cement-based matrix composite beams

Abstract

The present paper investigates the behaviour of cement beams reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The addition of MWCNTs was varied at 0.25, 0.5, 0.65, 0.75, 0.85, and 1 per cent by weight of cement. Dispersion of MWCNTs was carried out using ultrasonic energy. Composite beams were tested under flexure in order to evaluate their mechanical properties such as flexural strength and load–deflection criteria. These results were then compared with those from plain cement control beams. The present work also investigated the optimum percentage of MWCNTs that gives the best results in terms of both enhanced properties and economy. Scanning electron microscopy was conducted to examine the bond between the MWCNTs and the cement matrix.