Abstract
This study explored the effect of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) as a binder at different weight percentages, namely, 0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.15%, on the hydration, rheology, pore structure, and mechanical properties of ultra-high ductility cementitious composites (UHDCCs). The hydration kinetics with different CNF contents were studied using isothermal calorimetry (IC), showing a retardation effect on the early hydration of UHDCCs matrices at 70 h due to adsorption of CNFs on the surface of cement particles. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated that CNFs improved the degree of hydration at 28 days by facilitating transport of water into unhydrated cement cores. The two rheological parameters, namely, the yield stress and plastic viscosity, of the fresh UHDCCs matrices increased with increasing CNF content. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) analysis, as a nondestructive method, indicated that the addition of CNFs could reduce the porosity of the UHDCCs and refine their pore size distribution, and an 8.9–46.1% increase in the compressive strength of the corresponding specimens was found. Notably, CNFs increased the tensile initial cracking stress and tensile stress of UHDCCs by 91.2% and 30.8%, respectively, and maintained or increased their tensile strain-hardening capacity by over 8%. The flexural tests also found a 54.6% increase in the initial stress and a 14.8% increase in the peak stress. As a preliminary, CNFs show crucial promise as a greener nanomaterial to improve the strength and ductility of UHDCCs.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
ASTM C109/C109M (2013) Standard test method for compressive strength of hydraulic cement mortars, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA
Barnat-Hunek D, Szymańska-Chargot M, Jarosz-Hadam M, Łagód G (2019) Effect of cellulose nanofibrils and nanocrystals on physical properties of concrete. Constr Build Mater 223:1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.06.145
Bede A, Scurtu A, Ardelean I (2016) NMR relaxation of molecules confined inside the cement paste pores under partially saturated conditions. Cem Concr Res 89:56–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2016.07.012
B.S. En (2016) 196–1, Methods of testing cement – Part 1: determination of strength, BSI Standards Publication
Cai Z, Liu F, Yu J, Yu K, Tian L (2021) Development of ultra-high ductility engineered cementitious composites as a novel and resilient fireproof coating. Constr Build Mater 288:123090. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.123090
Cao Y, Tian N, Bahr D, Zavattieri PD, Youngblood J, Moon RJ, Weiss J (2016a) The influence of cellulose nanocrystals on the microstructure of cement paste. Cem Concr Compos 74:164–173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2016.09.008
Cao Y, Zavaterri P, Youngblood J, Moon R, Weiss J (2015) The influence of cellulose nanocrystal additions on the performance of cement paste. Cem Concr Compos 56:73–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2014.11.008
Cao Y, Zavattieri P, Youngblood J, Moon R, Weiss J (2016b) The relationship between cellulose nanocrystal dispersion and strength. Constr Build Mater 119:71–79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.03.077
Cappellari M, Daubresse A, Chaouche M (2013) Influence of organic thickening admixtures on the rheological properties of mortars: relationship with water-retention. Constr Build Mater 38:950–961. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2012.09.055
Claramunt J, Ventura H, Toledo Filho RD, Ardanuy M (2019) Effect of nanocelluloses on the microstructure and mechanical performance of CAC cementitious matrices. Cem Concr Res 119:64–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2019.02.006
Dillinger A, Esteban L (2014) Experimental evaluation of reservoir quality in Mesozoic formations of the Perth Basin (Western Australia) by using a laboratory low field nuclear magnetic resonance. Mar Pet Geol 57:455–469. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2014.06.010
Ding Y, Liu JP, Bai YL (2020) Linkage of multi-scale performances of nano-CaCO3 modified ultra-high performance engineered cementitious composites (UHP-ECC). Constr Build Mater 234:117418. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.117418
Ding Y, Yu K, Mao W, Zhang S (2021) Performance-enhancement of high-strength strain-hardening cementitious composite by nano-particles: mechanism and property characterization. Struct Concr. https://doi.org/10.1002/SUCO.202000637
Escalante-Garcia JI (2003) Nonevaporable water from neat OPC and replacement materials in composite cements hydrated at different temperatures. Cem Concr Res 33:1883–1888. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-8846(03)00208-4
Ez-Zaki H, Riva L, Bellotto M, Valentini L, Garbin E, Punta C, Artioli G (2021) Influence of cellulose nanofibrils on the rheology, microstructure and strength of alkali activated ground granulated blast-furnace slag: a comparison with ordinary Portland cement. Mater Struct 54:23. https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-020-01614-5
Ferraris CF, Geiker M, Martys NS, Muzzatti N (2007) Parallel-plate rheometer calibration using oil and computer simulation. J Adv Concr Technol 5:363–371. https://doi.org/10.3151/jact.5.363
Fu T, Montes F, Suraneni P, Youngblood J, Weiss J (2017) The influence of cellulose nanocrystals on the hydration and flexural strength of Portland cement pastes. Polymers 9:424. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym9090424
Ghafari E, Costa H, Júlio E (2015) Critical review on eco-efficient ultra high performance concrete enhanced with nano-materials. Constr Build Mater 101:201–208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.10.066
Goncalves J, El-Bakkari M, Boluk Y, Bindiganavile V (2019) Cellulose nanofibres (CNF) for sulphate resistance in cement based systems. Cem Concr Compos 99:100–111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2019.03.005
Habibi Y, Chanzy H, Vignon MR (2006) TEMPO-mediated surface oxidation of cellulose whiskers. Cellulose 13:679–687. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-006-9075-y
Hisseine OA, Basic N, Omran AF, Tagnit-Hamou A (2018a) Feasibility of using cellulose filaments as a viscosity modifying agent in self-consolidating concrete. Cem Concr Compos 94:327–340. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2018.09.009
Hisseine OA, Omran AF, Tagnit-Hamou A (2018b) Influence of cellulose filaments on cement paste and concrete. J Mater Civ Eng 30:04018109. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0002287
Hisseine OA, Soliman NA, Tolnai B, Tagnit-Hamou A (2020) Nano-engineered ultra-high performance concrete for controlled autogenous shrinkage using nanocellulose. Cem Concr Res 137:106217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2020.106217
Hisseine OA, Wilson W, Sorelli L, Tolnai B, Tagnit-Hamou A (2019) Nanocellulose for improved concrete performance: a macro-to-micro investigation for disclosing the effects of cellulose filaments on strength of cement systems. Constr Build Mater 206:84–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.02.042
Japan Society of Civil Engineers (2008) Recommendations for design and construction of high performance fiber reinforced cement composites with multiple fine cracks (HPFRCC), in: Concrete Engineering Series No. 82
Klemm D, Kramer F, Moritz S, Lindström T, Ankerfors M, Gray D, Dorris A (2011) Nanocelluloses: a new family of nature-based materials. Angew Chem Int Ed 50:5438–5466. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201001273
Kumar R, Bhattacharjee B (2003) Porosity, pore size distribution and in situ strength of concrete. Cem Concr Res 33:155–164. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-8846(02)00942-0
Lawan I, Qiang L, Zhou W, Yi J, Song J, Zhang M, Huang Z, Pang J, Yuan Z (2018) Modifications of hemp twine for use as a fiber in cement composite: effects of hybrid treatments. Cellulose 25:2009–2020. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-018-1668-8
Li B, Xu W, Kronlund D, Määttänen A, Liu J, Smått JH, Peltonen J, Willför S, Mu X, Xu C (2015) Cellulose nanocrystals prepared via formic acid hydrolysis followed by TEMPO-mediated oxidation. Carbohydr Polym 133:605–612. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2015.07.033
Li L, Cai Z, Yu K, Zhang YX, Ding Y (2019) Performance-based design of all-grade strain hardening cementitious composites with compressive strengths from 40 MPa to 120 MPa. Cem Concr Compos 97:202–217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2019.01.001
Li M, Li VC (2013) Rheology, fiber dispersion, and robust properties of engineered cementitious composites. Mater Struct 46:405–420. https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-012-9909-z
Li Q, Gao X, Xu S (2016) Multiple effects of nano-SiO2 and hybrid fibers on properties of high toughness fiber reinforced cementitious composites with high-volume fly ash. Cem Concr Compos 72:201–212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2016.05.011
Li Q, Ibrahim L, Zhou W, Zhang M, Fernando G, Wang L, Yuan Z (2020) Holistic solution to natural fiber deterioration in cement composite using hybrid treatments. Cellulose 27:981–989. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-019-02813-2
Li V (2019) Engineered cementitious composites (ECC): bendable concrete for sustainable and resilient infrastructure. Springer, Heidelberg, Berlin
Li VC, Leung CKY (1992) Steady-state and multiple cracking of short random fiber composites. J Eng Mech 118:2246–2264. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9399(1992)118:11(2246)
Li Q, Ibrahim L, Zhou W, Zhang M, Yuan Z (2021) Treatment methods for plant fibers for use as reinforcement in cement-based materials. Cellulose 28:5257–5268. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-021-03903-w
Liu Q, Peng Y, Liang L, Dong X, Li H (2019) Effect of cellulose nanocrystals on the properties of cement paste. J Nanomater 2019:8318260. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/8318260
Lu C, Lu Z, Li Z, Leung CK (2016) Effect of graphene oxide on the mechanical behavior of strain hardening cementitious composites. Constr Build Mater 120:457–464. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.05.122
Ma H, Cai J, Lin Z, Qian S, Li VC (2017) CaCO3 whisker modified engineered cementitious composite with local ingredients. Constr Build Mater 151:1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.06.057
Montes F, Fu T, Youngblood JP, Weiss J (2020) Rheological impact of using cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) in cement pastes. Constr Build Mater 235:117497. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.117497
Moon RJ, Martini A, Nairn J, Simonsen J, Youngblood J (2011) Cellulose nanomaterials review: structure, properties and nanocomposites. Chem Soc Rev 40:3941–3994. https://doi.org/10.1039/C0CS00108B
Muller ACA, Scrivener KL, Gajewicz AM, McDonald PJ (2013) Densification of C-S–H measured by 1H NMR relaxometry. J Phys Chem C 117:403–412. https://doi.org/10.1021/jp3102964
Pan J, Cai J, Ma H, Leung CKY (2018) Development of multiscale fiber-reinforced engineered cementitious composites with PVA fiber and CaCO3 whisker. J Mater Civ Eng 30:04018106. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0002305
Pane I, Hansen W (2005) Investigation of blended cement hydration by isothermal calorimetry and thermal analysis. Cem Concr Res 35:1155–1164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2004.10.027
Şahmaran M, Bilici Z, Ozbay E, Erdem TK, Yucel HE, Lachemi M (2013) Improving the workability and rheological properties of engineered cementitious composites using factorial experimental design. Compos B Eng 45:356–368. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2012.08.015
Santos RF, Ribeiro JCL, de Carvalho JMF, Magalhães WLE, Pedroti LG, Nalon GH, Lima GESD (2021) Nanofibrillated cellulose and its applications in cement-based composites: a review. Constr Build Mater 288:123122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.123122
She AM, Yao W, Yuan WC (2013) Evolution of distribution and content of water in cement paste by low field nuclear magnetic resonance. J Cent South Univ 20:1109–1114. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-013-1591-y
Wei J, Cen K (2019) Empirical assessing cement CO2 emissions based on China’s economic and social development during 2001–2030. Sci Total Environ 653:200–211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.371
Weng L, Wu Z, Liu Q (2019) Evaluating damage and microcracking behavior of granite using NMR testing under different levels of unconfined compression. Int J Geomech 19:04018186. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GM.1943-5622.0001335
Xi B, Zhou Y, Yu K, Hu B, Huang X, Sui L, Xing F (2020) Use of nano-SiO2 to develop a high performance green lightweight engineered cementitious composites containing fly ash cenospheres. J Clean Prod 262:121274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121274
Xu Q, Li W, Cheng Z, Yang G, Qin M (2014) TEMPO/NaBr/NaClO-mediated surface oxidation of nanocrystalline cellulose and its microparticulate retention system with cationic polyacrylamide. BioResources 9:994–1006. https://doi.org/10.15376/biores.9.1.994-1006
Xu S, Lyu Y, Xu S, Li Q (2019) Enhancing the initial cracking fracture toughness of steel-polyvinyl alcohol hybrid fibers ultra high toughness cementitious composites by incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Constr Build Mater 195:269–282. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.10.133
Xu S, Reinhardt HW (2000) A simplified method for determining double-K fracture parameters for three-point bending tests. Int J Fract 104:181–209. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1007676716549
Yang EH, Sahmaran M, Yang Y, Li VC (2009) Rheological control in production of engineered cementitious composites. ACI Mater J 106:357–366. https://doi.org/10.14359/56656
Yang EH, Yang Y, Li VC (2007) Use of high volumes of fly ash to improve ECC mechanical properties and material greenness. ACI Mater J 104:620–628. https://doi.org/10.14359/18966
Yu J, Zhang M, Li G, Meng J, Leung CK (2020) Using nano-silica to improve mechanical and fracture properties of fiber-reinforced high-volume fly ash cement mortar. Constr Build Mater 239:117853. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.117853
Yu KQ, Yu JT, Dai JG, Lu ZD, Shah SP (2018) Development of ultra-high performance engineered cementitious composites using polyethylene (PE) fibers. Constr Build Mater 158:217–227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.10.040
Yu K, Wang Y, Yu J, Xu S (2017) A strain-hardening cementitious composites with the tensile capacity up to 8%. Constr Build Mater 137:410–419. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.01.060
Zhang A, Yang W, Ge Y, Wang Y, Liu P (2020a) Study on the hydration and moisture transport of white cement containing nanomaterials by using low field nuclear magnetic resonance. Constr Build Mater 249:118788. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.118788
Zhang D, Jaworska B, Zhu H, Dahlquist K, Li VC (2020b) Engineered cementitious composites (ECC) with limestone calcined clay cement (LC3). Cem Concr Compos 114:103766. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2020.103766
Zhao H, Qin X, Liu J, Zhou L, Tian Q, Wang P (2018) Pore structure characterization of early-age cement pastes blended with high-volume fly ash. Constr Build Mater 189:934–946. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.09.023
Zhou Y, Zheng S, Huang X, Xi B, Huang Z, Guo M (2021) Performance enhancement of green high-ductility engineered cementitious composites by nano-silica incorporation. Constr Build Mater 281:122618. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.122618
Acknowledgments
Research into the pore structure was performed by LF-NMR analysis at Suzhou Niumag Analytical Instrument Corporation, Jiangsu, China We are also grateful to Springer Nature for its linguistic assistance during the preparation of this manuscript.
Funding
This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant nos. 52078282, 52038006 and 51908339), the China Academy of Engineering Consulting Project “Research on Development Strategy and Key Technologies of Bamboo Construction Sector in China towards 2035” (grant no. 2018-ZCQ-06) and the Program for Changjiang Scholars and Innovative Research Team from the University of China (grant no. IRT_17R69).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Conflict of interests
The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.
Additional information
Publisher's Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Liang, L., Zhang, X., Liu, Q. et al. Cellulose nanofibrils for the performance improvement of ultra-high ductility cementitious composites. Cellulose 29, 1705–1725 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-022-04421-z
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-022-04421-z