Behavior of nano graphite micro platelets GNMPs on properties of concrete
In the last decade, the world faced a rapidly growing interest toward cementitious materials such as mortar and concrete; however, the application of these materials is limited by their quasibrittle behavior, low toughness, and poor tensile strength. These limitations encouraged scientists to improv
2025-06-28 16:30:37 - Adil Khan
Behavior of nano graphite micro platelets GNMPs on properties of concrete
Project Area of Specialization Mechanical EngineeringProject SummaryIn the last decade, the world faced a rapidly growing interest toward cementitious materials such as mortar and concrete; however, the application of these materials is limited by their quasibrittle behavior, low toughness, and poor tensile strength. These limitations encouraged scientists to improve their properties by combining nanotechnology to construction materials. In the last decades, several nanofillers (such as nano-TiO2, nano-SiO2, nano-clays and carbon nanotubes) have been investigated aimed to obtain cement-based nanocomposites characterized by improved mechanical and physical properties combined with enhanced durability.
More recently, the unique and superior properties of Graphene Based Materials (GBMs) demonstrated to enhance the properties of cementitious nanocomposite at such an extent that they might reach high, and even ultrahigh, mechanical, and physical performances. In the near future, the resulting multi-functional nanocomposites are expected to offer novel applications in the field of civil engineering, such as inductive wireless charging roads, underfloor heating, underground power transmission lines, high-speed train lines, high-voltage transmission pipelines and de-icing roads. Interestingly, the enhanced electrical conductivity might also induce self-sensing properties, allowing smart construction materials to identify and monitor the initiation of defects within the structure. Moreover, high performance cementitious materials able to absorb vibration energy are particularly valuable for big structures, such as high buildings, concrete bridges and highspeed train railways, subject to extreme environmental conditions (i.e. earthquake and high-speed winds).
Nano graphite is expected to improve the mechanical and durability performance of conventional concrete. This research will be able to provide useful insight for structural engineers to develop and utilize nano graphite in conventional concrete structural elements. This research will determine its useful percentage that can be successfully utilized to improve its behavior.
Project ObjectivesNowadays, the application of nano materials has received numerous attentions to enhance the conventional concrete properties. Eventually, the introduction of nano materials in concrete is to increase its strength and durability.
Nano material is defined as material that contains particle size which less than 200 nm. The ultrafine particles of nano material will also help reduce the formation of micro pores by acting as a filler agent, producing a very dense concrete and automatically reduce the growth of micropores in the structures.
The objective of this study is to assess the overall impact of commercial nano-Graphite (nG), previously fully characterized, on the properties of concrete loaded with different amounts of
nanofiller (by weight of cement). The interest toward nano-Graphite as nanofiller is based on its unique features, including easy production process from natural graphite, compared to other graphene-based materials; superior nano-scale effect that reflects in improved density
and mechanical performance of the modified concrete.
We will mainly focus on the following objectives:
- To establish the changes in durability of concrete during the modification of cement with nano-additives containing graphite.
- To compare durability and mechanical properties of Nano Graphite Concrete (NGC) made by adding different percentage levels of cementitious material as nano graphite with a controlled concrete sample with zero percent addition.
- To present the advantages and benefits of enhancing conventional concrete by utilizing nano graphite.
The material required for the concrete will be procured from credible sources. This includes coarse aggregate, sand, cement, and nano graphite. The procured material will be tested to verify if they meet the ACI standards or not. Mix design to be used will be calculated by means of values obtained in the tests e.g. aggregate density, fines modulus etc.The mix design will be based upon ACI codes. Nano graphite will be added as percentage of cement in concrete.Cylindrical as well as cubical concrete samples will be made with varying graphite percentage content. A controlled sample with zero percentage graphite content will also be produced.Mechanical tests will include compressive strength, splitting tensile and flexural strength. Microstructural testing willl involve SEM and XRD tests. Durability tests i.e., temperature testing, thermal cycle, fatigue tests, vibration, permeability and rapid cholride ion penetration.
Benefits of the ProjectThis research will be able to give useful insight to manufacture concrete with nano graphite addition. The results are expected rove the microstructure, durability and mechanical performance of concrete. However, the optimum percentages will also be determined that will be useful for pakistani environment and climate.
Technical Details of Final DeliverableThe final product will be nano graphite concrete that is expected to significantly improve the mechanical and durability performance of concrete. The optimum percantage of nano graphite will be determined. If found suitable and cost effective solution, it will be proposed to use GNMPs in conventional concrete in pakistani climate.
Final Deliverable of the Project Hardware SystemCore Industry OthersOther IndustriesCore Technology OthersOther TechnologiesSustainable Development Goals Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureRequired Resources| Item Name | Type | No. of Units | Per Unit Cost (in Rs) | Total (in Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total in (Rs) | 48000 | |||
| Nano graphite | Miscellaneous | 1 | 9000 | 9000 |
| Analysis PC | Equipment | 1 | 39000 | 39000 |