New insights into the role of MWCNT in cement hydration

Journal article (2021)

Authors

Shaoqiang Meng Guangzhou University
Xiaowei Ouyang Guangzhou University
Jiyang Fu Guangzhou University
Yuwei Ma Guangzhou University
G. Ye Materials and Environment - CEG
Research Group
Materials and Environment (CEG) (TU Delft)
Cement paste Nucleation Hydration MWCNT Calcium ion C–S–H
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Published Date

2021

Language

English

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Faculty

Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Department

Materials- Mechanics- Management & Design

Research Group

Materials and Environment

Abstract

Investigating the mechanism of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) in the early cement hydration enables better utilization of the potential of MWCNT as reinforcing agents in cement composites. The interaction of MWCNT with ions and its effect on cement hydration were investigated. Zeta potential measurement was intended to discuss the interaction of the MWCNT surface with Ca2+. Then, the formation processes of C–S–H were observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The influence of MWCNT on the early cement hydration was investigated using isothermal calorimetry. The results showed that MWCNT significantly accelerates early cement hydration. It is likely attributed to its high surface area and strong adsorption for Ca2+, which greatly promotes the migration of ions, especially Ca2+, and thus the precipitation of ions on the cement surface. This facilitates the C–S–H nucleation and growth process, thus the cement hydration. These results also indicated that the MWCNT would not provide a stable nucleation site for C–S–H, since the size of MWCNT is less than that of C–S–H.