Effect of graphene oxide nanosheets on cement hydration crystals and mechanical properties of mortar

A dispersion of graphene oxide(GO) nanosheets with oxygen content(by mass) of 19.15%, 25.43% and 32.30% were prepared by controlling oxidization times and using ultrasonic dispersion. The effect of GO nanosheets with different oxygen contents on the shape of cement hydration crystals and the mechanical properties of corresponding mortar were investigated. The results indicate that GO nanosheets with oxygen content of 25.43% can regulate formation of flower-like hydration crystals and increase remarkably the tensile and flexural strength of mortar. A possible formation mechanism of GO nanosheets regulating the hydration microstructure and its impact mechanical properties of cement composites are presented, which thinks that GO nanosheets has template role to regulate the flower-like hydration crystals and further the network formed by flower shaped crystals in holes and gap to contribute improvement of the toughness of cement composites. ©, 2014, Tongji University. All right reserved.