Impact of Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles on Cement Mortar: Mechanical, Microstructure and Durability Properties

Nano materials, particularly carbon base always get more attention from the researchers in the domain on cement and its application. The most prevalent additives in cementitious composites are graphene and other carbon-based derivative. This research examines the impact of Graphene Oxide (GO) on cement mortar, with GO added at ratios ranging from 0.01 to 0.05% by weight of the cement, in intervals of 0.01%. The 1 : 1.5 mortar with water cement ratio (w/c) of 0.5 is constant for all the mixers. The fresh property like flowability and initial setting time were examined, the result indicates that the GO-reinforcement affect the initial setting time (about 10-24%) as well as reduces the flowability (up to 35%). The mechanical test result revealed that the GO inclusion substantially improved both flexural and compressive strength for 30 and 55% respectively at the dosage of 0.03% by the weight of cement. Meanwhile the SEM analysis showed that the GO addition enhances the microstructure as well as reduces the pore size. The durability properties as evaluated using water absorption and a rapid chloride penetration test revealed that GO incorporated specimen exhibits better resistance rather than control specimens with the highest resistance achieved on 0.05% dosage samples. However, beyond the optimum amount of GO dosage, agglomeration occurs thus leading to the reduction in strength and affecting the micro structure. In general, the study revealed that graphene oxide (GO) might have one of the potential nano additives to enhance the mechanical and durability of cement composites.