The optimum dosage of the multiwalled carbon nanotubes for improving the mechanical properties of concrete

Abstract

Advanced technological aspects of concrete have been recently focused on developing novel admixtures, which are exhibit high strength and high performance. The extraordinary mechanical properties of Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) propose that they are ideal admixtures for high strength and high performance concrete. However the major confront connected with the dosage of Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in concrete. The purpose of this exertion is to investigate the dosage effect of MWCNTs, on the strength properties (compressive, split tensile and flexural strengths) of concrete at temperature of 26 ± 5°C and 59 ± 5% relative humidity. Tests were performed on specimens from different proportions of MWCNTs viz; 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.15%, 0.2%, 0.25% and 0.3% of by weight of cement. The compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength of the hardened samples were determined after 7, 14, 28, 56, 90, 180, 360 days of water curing. Results reveal that the 0.25% of MWCNTs is the optimum dosage for achieving maximum compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength.