Evaluation of the Reinforcement Efficiency of Low-Cost Graphite Nanomaterials in High-Performance Concrete

Low-cost nanomaterials (graphite nanoplatelet and carbon nanofiber) offer many of the highly desired mechanical, physical, geometric and stability characteristics of carbon nanotubes at substantially reduced cost. Experimental studies were implemented in order to evaluate the complementary effects of low-cost graphite nanomaterials and (micro-scale) polyvinyl alcohol fibers in high-performance concrete. Experimental results highlighted the balanced gains in diverse engineering properties of high-performance concrete realized by introduction of graphite nanomaterials. Desired levels of micro- and nano-scale reinforcement systems were identified. Experimental results pointed at synergistic effects of nano-and micro-scale reinforcement in concrete, which could be attributed to their actions at different scales. Graphite nanomaterials were found to significantly control the rate and extend of moisture sorption into concrete. The planar geometry of graphite nanoplatelets makes them more effective than carbon nanofibers in enhancing the moisture barrier qualities of concrete.