Residual mechanical properties of mortars containing carbon nanomaterials exposed to high temperatures

Carbon-based nanomaterials can provide improvements of the mechanical behavior of cementitious materials at high temperatures. This research investigated mechanical properties and microstructure of 92 composites containing different concentrations of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and carbon black nanoparticles (CBN), and exposed to temperatures up to 600 degrees C. A comprehensive comparison between the post-fire performances of these different carbon-based nanomaterials was made. Values of moisture loss and microstructure changes due to temperature increases elucidated variations of different mechanical properties. The addition of 3% of CBN and 0.4% of MWCNT increased the postfire residual compressive strength, static and dynamic elastic modulus of plain mortars. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study found that adding 3% of CBN and 0.4% of MWCNT can improve the mechanical properties of cementitious materials at high temperatures, including residual compressive strength, static and dynamic elastic modulus. A comprehensive comparison of composites containing different carbon-based nanomaterials revealed variations in mechanical properties.