Graphene oxide prepared from mechanically milled graphite: Effect on strength of novel fly-ash based cementitious matrix

Graphene oxide (GO) has been synthesized from mechanically milled graphite (MGP) and characterized using SEM/EDS, TEM, XRD, Raman, FTIR, AFM and TGA/DTA/DTG techniques. Effects of GO on compressive and tensile strength, microstructure and crystalline phase composition of fly-ash based cementitious nanocomposites (FCNCs) have been addressed. Compressive and tensile strengths were improved by a maximum of 35% and 96% respectively for 0.125% GO incorporated. Addition of GO refined the microstructure of hardened nanocomposites by controlling the orientation of hydration crystals. Chemical composition of inorganic crystalline phases of hydration products was accelerated due to increased hydration on the active sites of GO.