Influence of 2D rGO nanosheets on the properties of OPC paste

In this experimental study, the effects of 2D reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets on the properties of Portland cement paste in comparison to popularly reviewed nanomaterials like aluminium oxide nanopowder (n-Al₂O₃) and colloidal silicon dioxide nanoparticles (n-SiO₂) were investigated. The addition of 0.02% rGO sheets by weight of cement increased the 7 and 28 days flexural strength up to 70% and 23% respectively when compared to control paste. Moreover, its incorporation substantially decreased the sizes of pores/voids in the paste, even compared to the other nanomaterials, as characterized by Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP) and 3D X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) aided with image analysis technique. The assessment of Portlandite content by Thermo-gravimetric Analysis did not indicate major differences between the pastes, with the exception of the paste incorporating nano-silica. Microstructural analysis by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy did not reveal any major differences between the control paste and the pastes incorporating nanomaterials. The overall results suggest that the performance of rGO was better in comparison to other two nanomaterials, despite the significantly lower amounts that were used in the paste.