Nanoarchitectonics effect of few-layer graphene on the properties of cement mortar

To further study graphene/mortar composites, the effects of few-layer graphene (FLG) on the fluidity, me-chanical properties (compressive strength and flexural strength) and electrical properties of cement mortar were systematically studied in this paper, through SEM, XRD and EDS to analyze the mechanism. Meanwhile, AFM, Raman and SEM were used to characterize the layer number and structure of FLG. The results show that the layer number of FLG is between 3 and 6 layers, which shows a hexagonal honeycomb structure and interlayer stacking phenomenon. The addition of FLG can reduce the fluidity of mortar, while improve the conductivity of mortar, and FLG/mortar composites present NTC effect. 28 d compressive strength and flexural strength of mortar increased by 38.1% and 58.03% respectively with the addition of FLG. FLG has the effect of nano filling and overlapping hydration products, which can promote the better connection between cement paste and aggregate, thus the structure of mortar more dense.

Automated summary

This study systematically investigated the effects of few-layer graphene (FLG) on the mechanical and electrical properties of cement mortar. The results showed that the addition of FLG improved the compressive strength, flexural strength, and conductivity of mortar. Additionally, FLG promoted a better connection between cement paste and aggregate, resulting in a denser mortar structure.