Fresh and mechanical properties, and strain sensing of nanomodified cement mortars: The effects of MWCNT aspect ratio, density and functionalization

A comprehensive analysis on the effect of aspect ratio, bulk density and functionalization of multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the development of nanomodified mortars, reinforced with different types of MWCNTs is presented herein. A structural characterization of the pristine and functionalized carbon nanotubes was carried out with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). A simple one step dispersion method, involving the application of ultrasonic energy and the use of a superplasticizer (SP) was utilized for the preparation of uniformly dispersed MWCNT suspensions. The experimental determination of the fresh and 28d mechanical properties of mortars with w/c = 0.5 and s/c = 3.0, using four different types of well dispersed pristine and functionalized MWCNTs at an amount of 0.1 wt% of cement took place through: (i) flow and time of setting tests; (ii) three point bending experiments on 4 × 4 × 16 cm specimens; and (iii) uniaxial compression on the half prisms of the flexural test specimens (4 × 4 × 8 cm). The piezoresistive behavior of the mortars reinforced with the pristine MWCNTs was experimentally determined using the 4-pole method, and compared with the strain sensing ability of the mortars reinforced with the functionalized MWCNTs. All MWCNT reinforced mortars exhibit a remarkable enhancement in the mechanical properties. However, the 28d flexural strength, young's modulus and energy absorption capability of the mortars reinforced with the mechanically functionalized MWCNTs at an amount of 0.1 wt% increased by 120%, 124%, and 103% respectively. Finally, depending on the procedure of the functionalization, chemical or mechanical, a different effect on the intrinsic properties of MWCNTs was observed. The carboxylic groups attached to the surface of the chemically functionalized MWCNTs indeed provided them with the ability of a uniform and effective dispersion, without the need of a sonication procedure. On the other hand, it was found that functionalized MWCNTs do not always retain the electrical properties of pristine MWCNTs.