Effects of graphene oxide agglomerates on workability, hydration, microstructure and compressive strength of cement paste

In this study, the effects of graphene oxide (GO) agglomerates on the workability, hydration, microstructure, and compressive strength of cement paste were addressed. The workability of cement paste was reduced because of the presence of GO agglomerates, which entrap a large amount of water. The mini slump diameter was reduced by 21% with the incorporation of 0.03% by weight GO in cement paste. Hydration of the cement paste was accelerated due to nucleation sites provided by GO agglomerates serving as seeding material in the cement paste. The incorporation of GO refined the pore structure of the cement paste. The incorporation of GO was found to have much greater impact on macropores than on large and small mesopores. At 28 days, the incorporation of 0.04% by weight GO produced a 14% improvement in the compressive strength of cement paste. Below 0.03%, the incorporation of GO had no positive effects on compressive strength. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.