Ultra-high-performance cementitious composites with enhanced mechanical and durability characteristics

Abstract Concrete is the most widely used construction material. It offers a desirable balance of cost, strength, moisture barrier qualities, and dimensional chemical stability. The rising costs aging infrastructure systems, however, point to need for further improvements in concrete properties. Carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs) are predicted have excellent mechanical properties, so attractive candidates addressing these issues. However, relatively high cost CBNs, means that only low weight fractions cement matrices will be economically viable, which presents significant challenge. research presented here investigated various surface functionalization techniques improving compatibility carbon (multi-walled nanotubes, nanofiber graphene nanoplatelets) with cementitious materials fresh hardened state. effects on contributions CBNs performance characteristics ultra-high-performance (UHPCM) were evaluated. Functionalized multi-walled nanotubes at 0.03% fraction increased flexural strength by 30%, doubled energy absorption capacity, tripled ductility UHPCM. abrasion resistance toughness UHPCM benefited significantly from introduction less than 0.1% fraction. This study demonstrates can effectively enhance key engineering properties viable cost. Thus, this approach has both advantages economic benefits. Article highlights Surface multiwalled CNTs improved dispersion fractions. 0.03 wt.% CNT addition Abrasion qualities improved. These achieved