Reinforcement of the Mechanical and Durability Performance of Cement-Based Materials with Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

In this paper, the mechanical (flexural and compressive strength), impermeability resistance and abrasion resistance performance of cement-based materials reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were investigated. The fraction of MWCNTs in cement matrix was 0.1% by weight of cement and the water-to-cement ratio was 0.30. Two methods, aqueous dispersing method (ADM) and powder dispersing method (PDM), were applied to prepare MWCNTs/cement composites. The microstructure of prepared composites was discerned by a high resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE SEM). The results showed that the added MWCNTs improved the flexural and compressive strength, impermeability resistance and abrasion resistance performance of prepared composites. The maximum improving was obtained in sample ADM-1 by ADM. SEM micrographs showed that MWCNTs embedded in matrix and acted as bridges and networks across the voids and cracks. During the damaging period of composites, the MWCNTs could deform and absorb more energy to prevent composites from deterioration.