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Effects of Graphite Nanoplatelets on the Structure of Cementitious Materials

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Iranian Journal of Science and Technology, Transactions of Civil Engineering Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Graphite nanomaterials offer desired mechanical, geometric, and stability attributes for use as a discrete reinforcement system capable of enhancing the mechanical and durability performance of cement-based materials. This work employed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy techniques in order to gain further insight into the effects of distinctly high specific surface area and close spacing of graphite nanoplatelets with planar morphology on the structure of cement hydrates. 29Si and 27Al NMR spectroscopy techniques were employed, and analysis of results emphasized identification of the bonding conditions of SiO4 tetrahedra for resolving the structure of calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H). Plain hydrated cement paste as well as those reinforced with graphite nanoplatelets was evaluated via NMR spectroscopy at 3 and 14 days of age. Addition of graphite nanoplatelets was found to increase the Q1/Q2 ratio, pointing to a reduction in the degree of polymerization of silicate tetrahedral in the C–S–H structure. The presence of graphite nanoplatelets also lowered the polarization of Q3, indicating reduced branching sites of C–S–H. Analysis of 27Al NMR spectra indicated that addition of graphite nanoplatelets lowered the concentration of calcium aluminate monosulfate hydrate among cement hydration products.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge the financial support of the Department of Transportation (DOT) Contract No. DTRT57-12-C-10064 for the study report herein. The authors are thankful to Fred Faridazar from U.S. DOT (Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center) for his guidance and support throughout the project. The authors are also thankful to Dr. Rui H. Huang for running NMR spectroscopy on the prepared samples.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Transportation Planning and Traffic Engineering Department, Stantec, 2000 South Colorado Boulevard Suite 2-300, Denver, CO, 80222, USA

    Nafiseh Farhadi

  2. Bridge Department, Jacobs, 9191 S. Jamaica St., Englewood, CO, 80112, USA

    Amirpasha Peyvandi

  3. Max T. Rogers NMR Facility, Michigan State University, 578 S. Shaw Lane Room 27, East Lansing, MI, 48824-1226, USA

    Daniel Holmes

  4. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, 3546 Engineering Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824-1226, USA

    Parviz Soroushian

  5. Metna Co., 1926 Turner St., Lansing, MI, 48906, USA

    Anagi M. Balachandra

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  1. Nafiseh Farhadi
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  2. Amirpasha Peyvandi
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  3. Daniel Holmes
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  4. Parviz Soroushian
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  5. Anagi M. Balachandra
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Correspondence to Amirpasha Peyvandi.

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Farhadi, N., Peyvandi, A., Holmes, D. et al. Effects of Graphite Nanoplatelets on the Structure of Cementitious Materials. Iran J Sci Technol Trans Civ Eng 43 (Suppl 1), 403–411 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40996-018-0173-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40996-018-0173-5

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