Experimental investigation of mechanical and microstructural properties of concrete containing modified nano-Graphene Oxide

Microscopic defects within the microstructure of hardened cement paste are the main source of weakness in concrete. As a solution, nano-graphene oxide (GO) can be employed to improve the cement paste microstructure. However, there is a number of disadvantages, e.g., fluidity reduction and non-uniform dispersion. The present study sought to modify GO by fabricating a copolymer (PSGO) in a novel process to exploit the advantages of nano-GO while minimizing its disadvantages. Using 0.03wt% copolymerled to 38.8% higher tensile strength, 29.3% higher compressive strength and 25% higher workability. The SEM images revealed that GO and modified GO enhanced concrete by secondary hydration and bonding with C-S-H, creating a firm, integrated, and foil-like structure, and reducing the crack size and depth.