Study on reinforcing and toughening of graphene oxide to cement-based composites

Nano-graphene oxide(GO) aqueous was prepared by oxidizing graphite according to Hummers method and ultrasonic dispersion.The effects of GO on the concrete properties doped with polycarbonate superplasticizer(PCs) were investigated by measuring the fluidity,viscosity and setting time of cement pastes,pore structure of hardened cement paste,folding strength and compression strength of mortar in the presence of PCs.The results indicated that nano-graphene oxide could make lightly decrease of fluidity and setting time,could make hardened cement paste become dense,could decrease larg pore number and could remarkably increase folding and compression strength of mortar.The results of XRD and SEM testing showed that the GO could lead and promote cement hydration to produce more crystal products with regular shape,which hinted the template role of GO for cement hydration.Therefore,research on the effect of nano-graphene oxide on cement composite microstructure is important to reinforcement and toughening of concrete and prolongs concrete life.