Characterization of aerogel and EGA-based lightweight cementitious composites incorporating different thickness of graphene platelets

The use of nanomaterials in cement composites isn't new in concrete research. Due to the refined microstructure and extraordinary mechanical characteristics, fabrication of graphene nano platelets (GNP) is gaining popularity. However, the impact of the thickness of GNP on the characteristics of lightweight cement composite hasn't been completely studied yet. In this experimental study, 2 nm, 6-8 nm, and 11-15 nm GNP were incorporated into the aerogel and expanded glass-based lightweight cementitious composite at a concentration of 0.025, 0.05, 0.1%, 0.25%, and 0.5%, respectively. Workability, semi-adiabatic calorimetry, compressive and flexural strength, water absorption, microscopy, and XRD analysis of the cement composite were carefully studied. Study results reveal that the thickness of GNP has a notable impact on cement hydration. Incorporation of GNP almost improved the compressive and flexural strength by 43.8% and 41.8%, respectively. Water absorption and microstructure analysis suggest that GNP improves the ITZ of aerogel and densifies the microstructure of the cement composite.