Nanoscale Modification of Cementitious Materials

Abstract

This research investigates changes in the nanostructure and the nano- scale local mechanical properties of cement paste with micro- and nano-modifiers. Silica fume and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used as micro- and nano-modifiers. An effective method of dispersing CNTs in cement matrix was developed. A detailed study on the effects of CNTs concentration and aspect ratio on the fracture properties, nanoscale properties and microstructure of nanocompo- site materials, was conducted. Significant improvements on the macro and nano- mechanical properties of cement paste were observed with the incorporation of CNTs. Results suggest that CNTs can strongly modify and reinforce the cement paste matrix at the nanoscale.