Effect of Carbon Nanotubes on the Mechanical Fracture Properties of Fly Ash Geopolymer

Fly ash geopolymer is amorphous aluminosilicate material which is considered as alternative to Portland cement concrete. One of the limiting factors of its utilization is an increased shrinkage and related deterioration of fracture properties. This paper reports on a study of the application of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to improve the fracture properties of fly ash geopolymer. The amount of MWCNTs added varied in the range of 0.05–0.2% of the mass of fly ash. Mechanical fracture properties were determined via evaluation of three-point bending fracture tests. Specimen response during fracture tests was also monitored by means of acoustic emission, and this method was also used for the determination of cracking tendency occurring during the hardening process. Results show that the addition of MWCNTs increases the elastic modulus and compressive strength of fly ash geopolymer. However, basic fracture parameters (fracture toughness, fracture energy) firstly decreased with very small addition of MWCNTs and were regained or slightly exceeded the reference values with higher amount of MWCNTs.