NANO TECHNOLOGY FOR

STRUCTURAL APPLICATIONS
(Graphene-Oxide Modified Cements)

Thesis
Undergraduate Research Project
Department of Civil Engineering
University of Moratuwa

T.I. Munmulla
160416L

Submitted on 05/07/2021
NANO TECHNOLOGY FOR STRUCTURAL
APPLICATIONS
(Graphene-Oxide Modified Cements)

T. I. Munmulla (+94 077 5416391)

160416L

Undergraduate Research Project Report

Supervised by: Prof. I.R.A. Weerasekera

Department of Civil Engineering

University of Moratuwa
Sri Lanka
July 2021
Abstract
There are significant improvements on every field due to Nanotechnology. The impact of
Nanotechnology on structural applications is studied in this document for the sustainability and
improvement of the field of Civil Engineering. Many of the research have carried out to
experiment the improved properties of cement pastes with the influence of nanomaterials and
found several effective nanomaterials (nano-SiO2 and silica fume, nano-TiO2, nano-Al2O3,
nano-Fe2O3, nano- Cr2O3, nano-clay, carbon nanotubes (CNT), carbon nanofibers (CNF),
graphene oxide sheets (GO)) and their effective quantities. Cost and controlled quality are the
main drawbacks in using nano modified cements in the industry outside the laboratories where
mass scale production is needed. It is important to find out the most effective nano material in
performance and cost to improve the use of nano technology in the industry for quality
construction. GO was identified as the most suitable nano material which can be introduced to
the industry. The effect of cement modified with graphene oxide (GO) with its optimum dosage
show significant increase in mechanical, thermal and durability properties. It has found that the
oxygen content in GO can influence the characteristics and properties of the GO and the
corresponding GO modified cement. The purity of graphite used for GO synthesis and
modification will affect the carbon content in GO. This paper has investigated the effect of GO
on compressive strength of cement and have identified optimum dosage of 0.03% by weight
can increase the compressive strength from 27.5%. Comparing the effect of GO with different
oxygen content. The study concludes that GO with lesser oxygen content can improve the
overall performance of GO modified cement. Thus, it indicates that GO synthesized from a
high-purity epigenetic graphite deposit (lump/vein graphite) will show higher performance
than the GO synthesized from other graphite deposits.

Keywords: Graphene Oxide (GO), GO modified cement; Epigenetic graphite

i
Acknowledgement
It is a great pleasure for me to thank all the people who helped me in successfully completion
this Research Project.

I would like to thank Prof. Ruwan Weerasekera, the supervisor of my undergraduate research
project for giving his greater support and guidance from very beginning to the end to success.
Without his kind guidance and motivation, I would not be able to finalize this research withn
the limited time and resources.

My special thank should go to Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) and Civil
and Structural Engineering Consultants (Pvt) Limited (CSEC), for giving me such support by
providing necessary material and guidance throughout the research.
I greatly appreciate technical staff of the Structural Testing Laboratory of the University, for
supporting me throughout the laboratory experiments.
I also pay my sincere gratitude to all the academic staff of the Department of Civil engineering,
University of Moratuwa, starting from Prof. S.A.S. Kulathilaka, the Head of the Department.
Finally, I’d like to be thankful to everyone whom I didn’t mention, including my family
members and colleagues for helping me in numerous ways throughout the research.

T.I. Munmulla
Department of Civil Engineering

University of Moratuwa

ii
Declaration, copyright statement and the statement of the supervisor

I declare that this thesis of the title “Nano Technology for Structural Applications (Graphene-
Oxide Modified Cements)” is my own work and this report does not incorporate without
acknowledgement any material previously submitted for a Degree or Diploma in any other
University or institute of higher learning and to the best of my knowledge and belief it does not
contain any material previously published or written by another person except where the
acknowledgement is made in the text.

Also, I hereby grant to University of Moratuwa the non-exclusive right to reproduce and
distribute my research report, in whole or in part in print, electronic or other medium. I retain
the right to use this content in whole or part in future works (such as articles or books).

Signature: Date: 26.07.2021

(T. I. Munmulla)

The supervisor/s should certify the research report with the following declaration.

The above candidate has carried out research for the undergraduate degree under my
supervision.

Signature of the supervisor: Date

(Prof. I.R.A. Weerasekera)

iii
 Table of Contents
List of Tables ...........................................................................................................................vii

List of figures ...........................................................................................................................vii

1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 1

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW .................................................................................................... 2

2.1 NANO TECHNOLOGY .................................................................................................. 2

2.2. EFFECT OF NANO PARTICLES IN CEMENT PASTE ............................................. 3

2.2.1. Nano SiO2 and Silica Fume ...................................................................................... 4

2.2.2. Nano Titanium Dioxide ............................................................................................ 4

2.2.3. Nano Iron (III) Oxide ............................................................................................... 5

2.2.4. Nano Chromium (III) Oxide ..................................................................................... 6

2.2.5. Nano Calcium Carbonate.......................................................................................... 6

2.2.6. Nano Clay ................................................................................................................. 7

2.2.7. Nano Aluminium (III) Oxide .................................................................................... 7

2.2.8. Carbon Nanotubes .................................................................................................... 8

2.2.9. Graphene Oxide ........................................................................................................ 9

3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY................................................................................. 11

3.1. STUDY ABOUT THE NANO TECHNOLOGY AND SETTING THE OBJECTIVES
.............................................................................................................................................. 12

3.1.1. Problem Statement .................................................................................................. 12

3.1.2. Significance of the Research .................................................................................. 12

3.1.3. Scope and Limitations of The Study ...................................................................... 12

3.1.4. Aim and Objective of the Research ........................................................................ 12

3.1.4. Resource Requirement ............................................................................................ 13

3.2. A LITERATURE REVIEW TO IDENTIFY AVAILABLE NANO MATERIAL AND

THEIR PERFORMANCES ................................................................................................. 13

iv
 3.3. IDENTIFYING THE BEST NANO MATERIAL FOR CEMENT MODIFICATION
WHICH CAN INTRODUCE TO THE INDUSTRY .......................................................... 13

3.4. A DETAILED LITERATURE REVIEW TO IDENTIFY THE PERFORMANCE OF

IDENTIFIED NANOMODIFIED CEMENT ...................................................................... 14

3.4.1. Dispersion of GO in Cement Matrix ...................................................................... 15

3.4.2. Workability of GO Modified Cements ................................................................... 16

3.4.3. Mechanical Properties ............................................................................................ 16

3.4.4. Durability Properties............................................................................................... 18

3.4.5. Effect of Graphene Oxide Produced from Epigenetic Graphite Deposit (Vein/
Lump Graphite) ................................................................................................................ 18

Amorphous graphite...................................................................................................... 18

Flake graphite................................................................................................................ 19

Vein/ Lump graphite ..................................................................................................... 19

3.5. IDENTIFY THE OPTIMUM DOSAGE AND THE IMPROVEMENT IN THE

PERFORMANCE THROUGH LABORATORY TESTS ................................................... 20

3.5.1. Optimum Dosage .................................................................................................... 20

3.5.2. Materials ................................................................................................................. 20

GO ................................................................................................................................. 20

Cement Powder ............................................................................................................. 21

3.5.3. Preparation of Cement Paste................................................................................... 21

3.5.4. Compression Test ................................................................................................... 22

3.5. RESULT ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION ................................................................. 23

4.0 RESULT AND DISCUSSION .......................................................................................... 24

4.1. EFFECT OF GO ON COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH .................................................. 24

4.2. FAILURE METHOD .................................................................................................... 25

4.3. COMPARISON OF TEST RESULTS WITH OTHER DATA IN LITERATURE ..... 26

5.0 CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION ...................................................................... 28

6.0 REFERENCES .................................................................................................................. 29

v
vi
List of Tables
Table 3-1: X - ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) ........................................................... 21
Table 3-2: Chemical Composition of Cement Powder ........................................................... 21
Table 3-3: Mix Proportion of Cement Paste for the Study ..................................................... 21
Table 4-1: Compressive Strength of Modified Cement Paste at 7-days ................................. 24
Table 4-2: Compressive Strength of Modified Cement Paste at 28-days ............................... 24
Table 4-3: Oxygen Content and Reference for Data used in Comparison .............................. 26

List of figures
Figure 2-1:Particle size and specific surface area of concrete materials (Sobolev, 2005) ........ 3
Figure 3-1: Research Methodology......................................................................................... 11
Figure 3-2::Schematic reaction scheme between carboxylic acid groups and hydration
productions [Ca (OH)2 and C–S–H] of cement. (Pan, et al., 2012) ........................................ 14
Figure 3-3:Morphology of GO with (a) 20% oxygen content and (b) 33% oxygen content.
Carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms are grey, red, and white, respectively (Zheng Q. , Han,
Cui, Yu, & Ou, 2017)............................................................................................................... 17
Figure 3-4: Water Dispersed GO ............................................................................................ 20
Figure 3-5: Tamping Sequence for Moulding......................................................................... 22
Figure 3-6: Compression Testing Apparatus .......................................................................... 22
Figure 4-1: Compressive Strength Results.............................................................................. 25
Figure 4-2: Failure Pattern in Cubes Casted ........................................................................... 26
Figure 4-3: Comparison of Test Data ..................................................................................... 27

vii
1.0 INTRODUCTION
With the development in the field of Civil and Structural Engineering there is a necessity of
advancing the technology used in the field. Constructions which can withstand higher stresses
with less material usage and in less time can be considered as one of the important factors.
Although Civil Engineering is one of the fields which has the least adoptability to the emerging
technological sectors like Artificial Intelligence, Nano Technology etc. There are many
research and laboratory experiments which have adopted these new technologies to develop
smart or high strength building materials but constructions which adopt these technologies are
very less. Therefore, experimenting on these developed materials which can be used in the
field of construction or on site beyond the laboratory is very important.

Developing the properties of materials used in structural applications with the help of the nano
technology has received ample attention. There are many nano materials which can be used to
improve the properties of cement among them nano-SiO2 and silica fume, nano-TiO2, nano-
Al2O3, nano-Fe2O3, nano-Cr2O3, nano-clay, carbon nanotubes (CNT), carbon nanofibers
(CNF), Graphene Oxide sheets (GO) can be considered as the nano materials which produce
significant improvements. Development of high-performance cements with developed
mechanical and durability properties such as better cement hydration, higher compressive and
tensile strengths, enhanced ability to control cracking and shrinkage, ability to control density,
Development of sustainable concrete with controlled energy dissipation and enhanced safety,
Development of cements with self-monitoring ability are the main improvements that were
able to achieve with the nano modified cements. When considering the nano materials and
properties improved by the modification of them with the cement, graphene oxide sheets (GO)
was considered as an effective material which can improve the strength properties of the cement
paste with a considerable cost when compared with the other nano materials. This property will
make the Graphene Oxide modified cements the most suitable improved cement which can be
introduced to the construction field.

This research paper presents an evaluative review on different nano materials used in cement
modifications. The importance of Graphene Oxide as a nano modifier for cements. The
optimum percentage of Graphene Oxide is reported after analyzing the results obtained from
compressive strength test conducted. The improved properties of Graphene Oxide produced
from Sri Lankan vein graphite is also given under this study.

1
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 NANO TECHNOLOGY

Potentials of chemistry has increased vastly by changing the chemical properties of material
with the availability of size as the new parameter. Nanotechnology is a science of restructuring
or reconstructing matter in the nano scale (1-100 nm) to -improve and create new properties.
Two main processes, Top-Down (deconstruction from larger structures in to nanosized
particles) and Bottom-Up (Construction of nanosized materials through assembly of atoms or
molecules) methods are used to create nano materials. (Chakraborty, Jo, & Yoon, 2020). The
performance of nano material depends on the surface effects and quantum size effects.

Inventions of nanotechnology are used in the various sectors of the field of Civil Engineering
and Construction Industry. Concrete which is a combination of cement, aggregates and water
is the most used material in structural appliances which gives the strength and durability to the
structures. Nano modified concretes and cement pastes can be used to achieve advance
properties in the structures.

Development of high-performance cements with developed mechanical and durability

properties such as better cement hydration, higher compressive and tensile strengths, enhanced
ability to control cracking and shrinkage, ability to control density, Development of sustainable
concrete with controlled energy dissipation and enhanced safety, Development of cements with
self-monitoring ability are the main improvements that were able to achieve with the nano
modified cements.

Research conducted have found the addition of effective amounts of nanomaterials such as
nano-SiO2 and silica fume, nano-TiO2, nano-Al2O3, nano-Fe2O3, nano-Cr2O3, nano-clay,
carbon nanotubes (CNT), carbon nanofibers (CNF), graphene oxide sheets (GO) will improve
the properties in the cement paste. Nanoengineering of concrete can take place in one or more
of the three locations such as in the solid phases, in the liquid phases or at the interfaces between
liquid–solid and solid–solid.

Implementation of these nano-modified cements outside the laboratories in the construction

industry is limited due to higher costs and controlled quality needed in production. It is
necessary to convert the successful laboratory tests into marketable products which will benefit
the society (Birgisson, Geary, Mukhopadhyay, Khan, & Sobolev, 2012).

2
Figure 2-1:Particle size and specific surface area of concrete materials (Sobolev, 2005)

2.2. EFFECT OF NANO PARTICLES IN CEMENT PASTE

The increased surface area due to the addition of nanomaterial increases the reactivity which
will increase the initial hydration rates and these particles involve in the pozzolanic reactions
and generates more Calcium Silicate Hydrate C-S-H. Nano-sized materials will fill the small
voids in the paste and decrease the porosity. The additional C-S-H generates will increase the
strength of the concrete. The controlled hydration and porosity will increase the durability and
reduce the cracking and shrinkage.

Microcapsules with nano self-healing agents and catalysts will help in microcracking in
structures. Use of electrically conductive nanomaterials (Fe2O3) will help in developing
intelligent concretes (stress sensing). The resistance of these modified cements will decrease
with the increasing of the stresses.

Nanomaterials can be used to increase the hydration rates and to overcome the drawbacks of
environmentally friendly and energy efficient cements (belite cement). Self-cleaning and
pollutant degrading concretes can be manufactured by introducing nanomaterials like nano-
TiO2 which will convert pollutants into innocuous forms and triggers photocatalytic
degradation of pollutants (Birgisson, Geary, Mukhopadhyay, Khan, & Sobolev, 2012).

3
2.2.1. Nano SiO2 and Silica Fume
Nano SiO2 (NS) and Silica Fume (SF) modified cements have high early compressive strength,
tensile strength and flexural strength, higher modulus of elasticity, low permeability and higher
durability. NS added cements are resistant to fire and abrasion under aggressive environments.
NS and NF increase the setting time of concrete. Due to these properties NS and NF are used
for the production of high-performance concrete for long span bridges, parking decks and under
water constructions (Siddique, 2011)

Researchers have found that with a small number of NS 0-10% by weight of cement
compressive and flexural strengths can be increased up to 75% of ordinary cements. Adding
more than 10% will create agglomeration effects and will not be effective. Literatures have
stated 2%,3% and 6%as the effective contents with varying laboratory conditions. The results
of nano modified cements will be sensitive to many factors such as curing conditions,
water/cement ratios, particle size of nano materials and aggregates, chemical admixtures (Qing,
Zenan, Deyu, & Rongshen, 2007).

Theoretically addition of NS which is a filler material will increase the workability but in
practice most of the time it will reduce the workability because instead of acting only as fillers
some NS particles will absorb water. In these situations, superplasticizers should be used to
regain the workability (Behnood & Ziari, 2008).

NS improves the abrasion resistance of concrete with nano-TiO2 up to 100-180% of ordinary

concretes containing polypropylene fibres. Thermal stability of NS modified cement is also
high where it can expose to temperatures of 5000 C with lesser strength loss (Ibrahim, Hamid,
& Taha, 2012).

NS has a very little impact on environment and safe in its amorphous form. NS is used as an
effective nanomaterial due to its benefits though it is reasonably costly (Som, Wick, Krug, &
Nowack, 2011).

2.2.2. Nano Titanium Dioxide

Nano TiO2 modified cements are eco-friendly cements which act as environmental pollution
degrader, self-cleaning and self-disinfection cement with high stability at relatively low costs.
Therefore, these modified cements are used for facades of buildings and in paving materials
for roads (Hashimoto, Irie, & Fujishima, 2005).

4
TiO2 has the ability to absorb photon energy and degrade harmful NOx into harmless
substances such as CO2 and H2O through oxidation and reduction processes in the presence of
water vapour and O2. Since the photocatalytic reaction is increased by crystal size, structure,
crystallinity and surface hydroxylation nano-TiO2 will be more effective than TiO2. But, during
the cement hydration nano-TiO2 will be inert and stable (Agrios & Pichat, 2005).

TiO2 is not a pozzolanic material. So, less potential to increase compressive strength by
accelerating C-S-H formation. But up to 3% by weight it can accelerate C-S-H gel formation.
This will increase compressive strength of ordinary concrete by 45%. Adding more than 3% of
nano-TiO2 will be not effective (Nazari & Riahi, 2011).

Nano TiO2 has the ability to improve the resistance to water permeability when mixed in 2%
of binder weight. Workability and setting time of concrete will decrease with the increase of
the use of nano-TiO2. Nano-TiO2 modified cements shows negligible biological effects and
used in the industry because of relatively low costs when compared with other nano modified
cements (Som, Wick, Krug, & Nowack, 2011).

2.2.3. Nano Iron (III) Oxide

Structural safety of the building is one of the main concerns in the construction industry.
Embedded or attached sensors are used to monitor the health and safety of the structure.
Intelligent concrete materials which can self-monitor its safety has greater durability than the
concrete embedded with sensors (Li, Xiao, & Ou, A study on mechanical and pressure-
sensitive properties of cement mortar with nanophase materials, 2004).

Nano Iron (III) Oxide (NF) has the ability of sensing its stress levels in the elastic and inelastic
regimes. NF changes the electric resistance volume with the applied stress.

NF which has a higher density can be used for the production of heavy weight concrete. Heavy
weight concretes are widely used in constructing nuclear power plants for radiation shielding
of nuclear reactors and other structures where radiation impermeability is highly required
(Nazari & Riahi, Assessment of the effects of Fe2O3 nanoparticles on water permeability,
workability and setting time of concrete, 2010).

NF modified cement shows negligible advancements in mechanical properties. Compressive

and tensile strengths of NF modified cements are same as ordinary cement. 80% decrease in
shrinkage was observed for 15 days when mixed with 50% NF by the weight of aggregate. This

5
will prevent shrinkage cracks which is ideal for radiation shielding. Using more than 50% of
NF will cause segregation and will not be effective (Gencel, Brostow, Ozel, & Filiz, 2010).

Resistance to water permeability will increase with increasing the NF amount. But, will
decrease the workability and setting time of concrete. Literatures shows 2% of NF (diameter
of 15nm) by binder weight will reduce the sump for a maximum of 8 cm to 3 cm (Nazari &
Riahi, Benefits of Fe2O3 nanoparticles in concrete mixing matrix, 2010).

Limited number of research conducted have limited the use of NF modified concrete in the
industry.

2.2.4. Nano Chromium (III) Oxide

Nano Chromium (III) Oxide (NCr) will increase the compressive and flexural strengths of
concrete. It was observed that addition of NCr (average 15 nm diameter) 1% by binder weight
will increase the compressive strength at 28 days of the concrete by 15% and splitting tensile
strength by 50%. Effect of NCr on flexural strength is approximately 5%-10%. Additional
formation of C-S-H gel in the presence of NCr results in increasing the strength parameters
(Nazari & Riahi, Optimization mechanical properties of Cr2O3 nanoparticle binary blended
cementitious composite, 2010).

NCr is regarded as not eco-friendly due to the release of Cr (VI) which is toxic and chromium
leaching will be problematic when considering the durability of concrete. NCr modified
cements are not considered as a good option when other nanomaterials are available and lack
of research on NCr has limited its use in the industry (Assem & Zhu, 2007)

2.2.5. Nano Calcium Carbonate

Nano Calcium Carbonate (NCa) modified cements exhibit higher workability than other nano
materials. NCa will accelerate the early age setting and hardening and it shows considerable
advancement in early compressive strengths. Addition of 1% and 2% of Nca will enhance the
compressive strength gain at 3 days by 13% and 18% under standard curing temperature and
by 17% and 14% under reduced curing temperature. 5% to 10% NCa by weight of binder is
considered to be the effective quantity. If more than 15% is added it will result in decreasing
the compressive strength. The effect of NCa is not significant in modulus of elasticity (Sato &
Beaudoin, 2010).

Powdered CaCO3 is a catalyst to the hydration process. NCa with higher surface area
accelerates hydration within effective costs (Camiletti, Soliman, & Nehdi, 2013).

6
The relatively low costs of NCa modified cements will promote the use in the industry specially
when higher early strength is required.

2.2.6. Nano Clay

Clay which contains several minerals is also referred as hydrous silicates or hydrous aluminium
phyllosilicates with variable amounts of iron, magnesium, and alkali metals (Uddin, 2008).
Depending on their structure clay minerals can be divided into four major groups as kaolinite,
montmorilloniter/smectite, illite and chlorite group. Kaolinite and montmorillonitr / smectite
are the two groups which are widely referred when using in concrete production (Hillier, 2003).
Clay particles are acting as the nuclei of hydration in the presence of silica and aluminium and
shows high pozzolanic behaviour (Dhinakaran, Thilgavathi, & Venkataramana, 2012).

Nano clay (NCl) with large surface area and small size will accelerate the pozzolanic reaction
and produce more C-S-H and less calcium hydroxide and will fill the voids in concrete
decreasing the porosity and increasing overall concrete performance.

Experimental results have shown 49% tensile strength increase and 7% compressive strength
for 8% of Nano metakaoline. The optimum quantity of nano material and their performances
will vary from one type of clay to the other and the mix conditions. Therefore, more research
are required to assess the use the NCl for cement modification (Morsy, Alsayed, & Aqel, 2010).

Nano clay (NCl) modified cements have enhanced mechanical properties, reduces permeability
and shrinkage. Drawback in using NCl which is highly hydrophilic is increase in the water
demand. This should be controlled to enhance workability if concrete with the mechanical
properties. Relatively low costs and abundance of makes NCl a better material in cement
modification (Sanchez & Sobolev, 2010).

NCl modified concrete are used in the production of self-consolidating concrete for slip form
paving. Workability which is enough to be consolidated but stiff enough to stand without
formwork after the paver moves are the abilities of NCl modified concrete which are necessities
for slip form paving (Birgisson, Geary, Mukhopadhyay, Khan, & Sobolev, 2012).

2.2.7. Nano Aluminium (III) Oxide

Nano Al2O3 (nAl) or Alumina has a very limited effect on compressive strength of concrete.
So, fewer research was carried out on developing nAl modified cements (Behfarnia & Salemi,
2013).

7
Calcium hydroxide produced during hydration of calcium aluminates reacts with nAl to
produce Calcium Aluminum Silicate (C-A-S) gel. The experimental results show
approximately 10% of increase in compressive strength up to 1.5% addition of nAl by the
weight of binder. With more addition of nAl compressive strength starts to drop (Nazari &
Riahi, Improvement compressive strength of concrete in different curing media by Al2O3
nanoparticles, 2011). nAl modified cement show positive progress in elastic modulus and
durability. Research have able to increase elastic modulus by 143% at 28 days with 5% nAl
replacement with 0.4 water/binder ratio (Li, Zhang, & Ou, Abrasion resistance of concrete
containing nano-particles for pavement, 2006).

Increased compactness decreased porosity with decrease water absorption and chloride
penetration and improved durability are other positive achievements of nAl modified cement
(Barbhuiya, Mukherjee, & Nikraz, 2014).

2.2.8. Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are one of the major innovations in the field of nano technology.
CNTs have a young modulus of about 1.0TPa which is nearly five times higher than steel and
it can withstand a tensile stress around 50-100 GPa. Due to these advantageous properties, they
have innumerous applications in almost every field (Silvestre, Faria, & Canongia Lopes, A
molecular dynamics study on the thickness and post-critical strength of carbon nanotubes,
2012).

CNTs are only advantageous in tensile loading. When compressive loading or twisting is
applied their capacities are weak and will subjected to buckling and strength and stiffness will
decrease (Silvestre, On the accuracy of shell models for torsional buckling of carbon nanotubes,
2012).

CNTs can categorize in to two as single-walled CNTs (SWCNT) and multi-walled CNTs
(MWCNT). MWCNT are widely used in cement modifications considering their properties of
less prone to buckling and lower costs.

CNTs are intrinsically hydrophilic and absorb more water which will negatively affect
hydration of cement paste resulting worse properties than ordinary cement without proper
dispersion method. Therefore, a proper dispersion technique is required to disperse the CNTs
within the cement matrix without reducing their aspect ratio. Dispersing MWCNT in H2SO4

8
and HNO3 solution and dispersing in styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) are considered as
successful dispersion methods (Li, Wang, & Zhao, 2005) (Soliman, Kandil, & Taha, 2012).

CNTs will enhance the load transferring efficiency from cement to reinforcement by the bonds
formed between COOH groups in the nanotubes and C-S-H in the cement paste. Experiments
found that small percentages of 0025%-0.08% of well dispersed MWCNTs by the weight of
cement can enhance the strength and stiffness up to 25%-30% (Habermehl-Cwirzen, Penttala,
& Cwirzen, 2008).

CNTs has the ability of changing their electronic properties when subjected to strains and they
can increase the conductivity of cementitious materials. Sensors which can easily sense micro
cracking and failure in structures can be produced and concrete can be transformed to self-
monitoring material by properly embedded network of CNTs which are capable of detecting
damages at early stage of loading (Birgisson, Geary, Mukhopadhyay, Khan, & Sobolev, 2012).

Some literature has stated that exposure to CNTs may cause inflammation (Kagan, et al., 2006)
while others have stated that it was due to the presence of contaminants in the sample (Grubek-
Jaworska, et al., 2006). High cost of CNTs and lack of literature on sufficient ratios and
dispersing agents use of CNTs in the industry is very limited.

2.2.9. Graphene Oxide

Graphene Oxide (GO) is similar to an unrolled CNT. GO is easily dispersible in water and
other organic solvents due to the presence of the oxygen functionalities. GO has a large specific
area and a high young’s modulus of about 1.0Tpa. It has high thermal and electrical
conductivity which results the advancement of properties of GO modified cements ( (Zhu, et
al., 2010) (Babak, Abolfaz, Alimorad, & Parviz, 2014).

Nucleation of C-S-H by GO gives high bond strength to the cement. GO is dispersed into water
with the help of ultrasonication and used. It has discovered that addition of 0.03% of GO by
weight will remarkably increase tensile strength by 78.6%, flexural strength by 60.7% and
compressive strength by 38.9%. Yield stress can be increased by 100% by using 0.03% of GO.

Absorption of water molecules by GO and flocculation of GO with cements leads to lower

fluidity. It has found that 42% reduction in workability is caused by 0.05% of GO. Therefore,
efficient dosage of GO to be used is considered to be 0.02%-0.05%. Chemically reduced GO
with hydrazine which have a better fluidity can be used to regain the lost workability (Shang,

9
Zhang, Yang, Liu, & Liu, Effect of Graphene Oxide on rheological properties of cement pastes,
2015).

Similar to the CNTs GO is also an electrically conductive material which can be used for smart
building materials. GO decreases the heat generated during hydration. 0.02% of GO can reduce
the heat generated from nearly 50% which is helpful in minimizing the potential of thermal
cracking and improving durability. GO also has the ability of improving the thermal diffusivity
and chloride diffusivity of concrete which prevents corrosion of steel used in concrete.

GO modified cement are used in under water constructions where reduced fluidity and high
viscosity and short setting times is advantageous. GO have the EMI and wave absorption
property which is useful in construction of nuclear plants and other radiological stations.

Research was carried out to advance the properties of GO modified cements by using various
additives as fly ash, bottom ash, coir fibre and some have paid attention to redevelop GO into
various modified nanomaterials. Graphene Oxide encapsulated silica fume is one of the
modified materials which exhibit advanced properties comparative to GO.

Due to low greenhouse gas emission GO modified cements can be considered as

environmentally friendly and GO which is relatively low in cost and found in abundance is a
better candidate for nano modified cements which can be promoted and used in the construction
industry (Jamal T. B., Tasnim, Pial, & Rumman, 2016)

10
3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

• Study about the nano technology and setting

the objectives
01

• A literature review to identify available nano

material and their performances
02
• Identifying the best nano material for
cement modification which can introduce to
03 the industry

• A detailed literature review to identify the

performance of identified nanomodified
04 cement

• Identify the optimum dosage and the

improvement in the performance through
05 laboratory tests

• Result Analysis and Conclusion

06

Figure 3-1: Research Methodology

11
3.1. STUDY ABOUT THE NANO TECHNOLOGY AND SETTING THE
OBJECTIVES

3.1.1. Problem Statement

Nanotechnology is one of the fields which has an immense impact on several areas. By
manipulating the size of matter to nano scale it extricates the best properties which are
beneficial for the mankind. At present field of Civil Engineering uses only a small number of
findings of nanotechnology. There is high potential of further developments in the field of
structural engineering through the application of nanomaterials for the ingredients used for
concrete in structures.

The increase in population, inadequacy of land and improvement of standards of living,

together with the needs of high-rise buildings, long span bridges and other large structures with
higher strength, higher ductility and with controlled cracks and shrinkage is augmented. The
incorporation of nanomaterial will produce concrete with improved properties and
performances.

3.1.2. Significance of the Research

This research will create an opportunity to find an innovative way of utilizing the advancement
of nanotechnology into the field of Civil Engineering by introducing nano particles for
concrete.

3.1.3. Scope and Limitations of The Study

This study is to find out the feasible nanomaterials which are able to improve the properties
and performance of concrete in structures by referring to research done in the past.

3.1.4. Aim and Objective of the Research

The objectives can be categorized in to two.

1. Major Objective

To enhance the strength of concrete using nanotechnology.

2. Minor Objectives

To improve the early strength gain.

12
3.1.4. Resource Requirement
• Resoursable personel from Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (Pvt) Ltd. (SLINTEC)
to liase with the project.
• Nano materials.
• Laboratory Facilities for strength and durability tests of concrete.

3.2. A LITERATURE REVIEW TO IDENTIFY AVAILABLE NANO

MATERIAL AND THEIR PERFORMANCES
A literature survey was done to identify various types of nano materials used for cement
modifications and their performance. The range of percentage weight used as the optimum
dosage was identified for each element.

3.3. IDENTIFYING THE BEST NANO MATERIAL FOR CEMENT

MODIFICATION WHICH CAN INTRODUCE TO THE INDUSTRY
Nano modified cements proved to improve the performance significantly. Seeding effect and
filling effect are the major mechanisms resulting the enhancement in mechanical strength in
nano modified cements. Large surface area prevail in nano material will provide nucleation
sites for hydration products which is the seeding effect. The nano size of the materials makes
them able to fill the pores in the cement matrix, the filling effect. (Shah, Hou, & Konsta, 2015).
But most of the research findings are only limited to the laboratories. The improved cements
are not very popular in the Construction Industry.

The main drawback in introducing the nano modified cement in the practical application is
higher costs in production and difficulties in dispersion due to strong Van der Waals forces
present. The other reasons are the accessibility and controlled environmental conditions needed
for production.

GO is a strong oxidation product of graphene contain oxygen functional groups. The hydroxyl
group (-OH), carbonyl group (-C=O) and epoxy group (-CH(O)CH-) attached on the basal
plane, carboxyl group (-COOH) attached on the edges (Yu, et al., 2016)

GO can be considered as a cost-effective material when considering with other nano materials.
The oxygen functional groups in GO will facilitate the dispersion in water and organic solvents
and they can improve interfacial bonding with the host material due to chemical and physical
interactions. These properties have made GO a nanomaterial which can be introduced in the
practical applications (Jamal, Tasnim, Pial, & Rumman, 2016).

13
Addition of GO will increase the hydration, mechanical and durability properties but will have
an adverse effect on workability (Li, et al., 2017).

Figure 3-2::Schematic reaction scheme between carboxylic acid groups and hydration
productions [Ca (OH)2 and C–S–H] of cement. (Pan, et al., 2012)

Water dispersed GO which is readily available in the market is less costly when compared with
the other nano materials. GO modifications does not have the need of controlled environment.
Therefore, modifications can be done in any construction site with the instruments needed for
measuring and mixing. Therefore, GO was identified as the best nano material for cement
modifications which can introduce to the industry.

3.4. A DETAILED LITERATURE REVIEW TO IDENTIFY THE

PERFORMANCE OF IDENTIFIED NANOMODIFIED CEMENT
After identifying GO as the best nano material for modification a detailed research was carried
out to identify important properties of GO and their behaviour with cement. Although GO is
cost effective when comparing with other nano material GO is also not very popular in the
industry. When studying the performances of GO shows that the same percentage weight used
for the cement modifications gives different percentage increase in different performance
criteria.

Optimum dosage of GO is the key to improve the mechanical and durability properties of the
modified cements in required percentages. But the optimum GO dosage and percentile increase
in properties varies from one literature to the another.

Use of 0.04 and 1.00 wt% of GO in cement was reported to increased compressive strength by
25% and 47%, and flexural strength by 20% and 44%, respectively, compared to plain cement
paste at 28 days (Chen, Zhou, Wang, & Guo, 2018). Another study states that the compressive

14
strength was increased by over 15.1% with 0.04 wt% GO at the same curing age (Shang, Zhang,
Yang, Liu, & Liu, Effect of graphene oxide on rheological properties of cement paste, 2015).
Another with the 0.03 wt% of GO discovers that the compressive was improved by 38.9% and
flexural strength by 60.7% (Lv S. , Ma, Chaochao, & Zhou, 2013).

According to the inconsistency in these results it can be concluded that the properties of GO
used may affect the properties of the modified cements. Therefore, study about the chemical
composition of GO and the resultant effect to the modified cement is necessary.

To proceed this study the effect of carbon content in GO for the properties of cement paste
were studied.

Therefore, after referring many papers following reasons were identified as the changing
properties in GO which affect the performance of nano modified cements.

• Carbon percentage in GO
• Area of GO sheets
• No. of GO sheets
• Types and percentages of oxygen functional groups

After that, the effect of these properties on GO modified cements were studied through
referring various literatures.

3.4.1. Dispersion of GO in Cement Matrix

Agglomeration of GO will result in the formation of weak zones, and it will obstruct the full
utilization of GO. Therefore, it is recommended to use the suspension of GO rather than GO
powder.

Functional groups present in the GO sheets and alkalinity of the cement paste will affect the
GO dispersion. Functional groups make GO hydrophilic and highly dispersible in water and it
will enlarge the interval between the layers. Alkalinity in the mix can deoxygenate GO
increasing the aggregation (Li, et al., 2017).

It can be concluded that GO with higher number of functional groups with lesser carbon content
will have higher rate of dispersion.

15
3.4.2. Workability of GO Modified Cements

A high flowability and moderate viscosity is necessary to ensure the homogenous distribution
of engineering properties of concrete.

Main drawback in GO modification in cement is loss of workability. Workability decreases

with the GO content. Study shows that addition of 0.05 wt% of GO will reduce workability by
42% when compared with the plain cement (Melbourne Patent No. PCT/AU2012/001582,
2012).

Low workability is generally associated with poor compaction capacity which may lead to non-
homogeneity due to entrapped large air voids that are retained in the composite. But test results
have shown that there were no significant differences in the entrapment of air voids between
modified and normal cements (Pan, et al., 2012).

The hydrophilic functional groups and large surface area of GO requires extra water to wet
their surfaces which reduces free water for lubrication. Better dispersed GO also will reduce
workability due to increased specific surface area (Zheng Q. F., Han, Cui, Yu, & Ou, 2017).

Therefore, it can be concluded that GO with higher carbon content with lesser functional groups
and specific surface area will not affect the workability parameter of modified cements
significantly.

3.4.3. Mechanical Properties

According to literature it can be seen with the addition of GO mechanical strengths of modified
cements increases. But with further increase in GO will decrease the strength. Shang et al.
discovered that with the addition of 0.02, 0.04 and 0.06 wt% of GO will increase flexural
strength by 9.8%, 15.1% and 12.4% (Shang, Zhang, Yang, Liu, & Liu, Effect of graphene oxide
on rheological properties of cement paste, 2015). Similar results were observed in other studies
also. This is due to aggregation of GO in the matrix and overlapping of GO with each other
due to high concentration (Saafi, Tang, Fung, Rahman, & Liggat, 2015).

It is believed that GO will help to enhance the packing density of calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-
S-H) gel and reduce the microstructure porosity to strengthen the cement matrix (Tong, et al.,
2016).

It has reported that GO with better dispersibility will result in higher mechanical strengths and
also smaller size of GO will enhance the strength properties than the larger size GO (Lv, Liu,
Sun, Ma, & Zhou, 2014).

16
Oxygen functional groups in GO have two main functions, they provide heterogenous
nucleation sites for cement hydration and they act as a water reservoir and generate water
transporting channels. This will accelerate the hydration of cement. Well-disposed GO will be
able to form a strong network through cross-linking interactions by bridging the edges of GO
sheets, intercalating between the basal planes and by cross-linking of the hydrogen bonds
formed among the oxygen functional groups and water molecules. These processes will
enhance the mechanical properties of modified cements (Zheng Q. , Han, Cui, Yu, & Ou, 2017).

It has also found that oxygen contentment in GO affect the strength. It has mentioned with
oxygen content increasing from 12.36% to 25.45% the strength properties increased
significantly, but with further increase in strengths did not occur when the oxygen content
increase 29.33% (Lv S. , Ma, Chaochao, & Zhou, 2013).

But it is also shown that structural defects of GO increase with the increase of oxygen content
(Zheng Q. F., Han, Cui, Yu, & Ou, 2017) as shown in figure below.

Figure 3-3:Morphology of GO with (a) 20% oxygen content and (b) 33% oxygen content.
Carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms are grey, red, and white, respectively (Zheng Q. , Han,
Cui, Yu, & Ou, 2017)

Therefore, it can be concluded that the active functional groups can not only promote the
cement hydration and increase the strength properties but also act as defects to reduce the
strength properties.
17
It is important to identify optimum content of oxygen functional groups or optimum carbon
content to obtain better results.

3.4.4. Durability Properties

The durability of cement-based materials is the ability to resist corrosion and freezing and
thawing cycle. GO has the ability of reducing the total pore area, median pore diameter,
porosity and maintaining uniform pore diameter and it also has the ability of hindering the
initiation of microcracks which improve the transport properties (Jamal, Tasnim, Pial, &
Rumman, 2016).

The surface of GO is capable of absorbing and filtering chloride ions (Sun, 2017). It is also
shown that with the addition of 0.01 wt% of GO chloride penetration depth decrease to 5 mm
from 26 mm (Mohammed A. , Sanjayan, Duan, & Nazari, 2015).

Although it has found that GO will improve the durability properties, effect of carbon content
or the number of functional groups on that is not clear.

3.4.5. Effect of Graphene Oxide Produced from Epigenetic Graphite

Deposit (Vein/ Lump Graphite)

It can be observed that increase in carbon content into its optimum level can enhance the
properties of GO modified cements.

The quality, Carbon content of GO depend on the properties of parent graphite and the
oxidation method used (Botas, et al., 2012).

In this section important qualities and suitable parent graphite to obtain good quality GO is
discussed.

Naturally occurring graphite are found in three different forms due to three different processes.

Amorphous graphite
This is the most abundant type of graphite which synthesis through contact
metamorphism of coal deposits, and it contains very small crystal size particles. The
grade of this type in in between 20% - 40% Cg and can obtain a purity of 70% - 80%
after refining.

18
Flake graphite
These are plate like particles with hexagonal edges and they are extracted from
Syngenetic flake graphite deposits. Grade of this type is 10% - 12% Cg and can obtain
a purity of about 85% - 95% after refining.

Vein/ Lump graphite

Vein or lump graphite are extracted from epigenetic graphite deposits which produce
the purest graphite from all processes. Purity of vein graphite can be considered as more
than 95.0% with graphite carbon content of more than 90.0% Cg even without refining.
It has higher thermal and electrical conductivity with highest degree of cohesive
integrity. This type can only be found in limited areas in the countries of the world. Sri
Lanka is a country where this epigenetic graphite can be found in abundant.

Vein graphite from epigenetic graphite can be identifies as the purest graphite in the graphite
family. These epigenetic graphite deposits exhibit crystalline and rhombohedral stacking
(ABCABCA...) which is beneficial for the fabrication of desirable graphene derivatives
(Qureshi, Panesar, Sidhureddy, Chen, & Wood, 2019).

According to the experiments done by Botas, et al. GO produced from more crystalline graphite
contain larger amount of epoxy groups and larger surface area while GO produced from less
crystalline graphite contain larger proportion of hydroxyl and carboxyl groups (Botas, et al.,
2012).

Although vein graphite has higher purity than other forms of graphite, Through the synthesis
of artificial graphite or through chemically bonding lower grades of graphite production of
graphene with over 99% of purity can be done. But the material produced have inferior
properties when compared with natural crystalline vein graphite. Chemical reduction of GO
can also be used to increase carbon content such as reduced graphene oxide (rGO) but they are
more expensive and parent material has to undergo much more chemical reactions which is not
environmentally friendly.

Experiments done by Qureshi, et al. shown that carbon content of GO extracted by epigenetic
graphite deposit using Modified Hummers method is 65.35 wt% and oxygen content is 34.05
wt% which is higher than the percentages obtained by using other graphite deposits. According
to the experimental results the rate of hydration accelerated. GO dosage of 0.02 wt% increased
flexural strength by 83% and 0.04 wt% of GO increased compressive strength by 26%
compared to the control mix without GO. 0.02 and 0.04 wt% GO increased the electrical

19
resistivity by 11.5% and decrease the sorptivity by 29% which will improve the mechanical
and durability properties of the modified cement (Qureshi, Panesar, Sidhureddy, Chen, &
Wood, 2019).

Therefore, it was concluded to progress the research choosing GO extracted from epigenetic
graphite with less oxygen content under relatively low expenses and in an environmentally
friendly process.

3.5. IDENTIFY THE OPTIMUM DOSAGE AND THE IMPROVEMENT

IN THE PERFORMANCE THROUGH LABORATORY TESTS
3.5.1. Optimum Dosage
After referring to many literatures many of them had 0.03% by weight as the optimum dosage
while some have amount in the range 0.02% - 0.03%. Therefore, to identify the optimum
dosage of GO experiment was arrange for 05 different percentages by weight. They were
0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04% and 0.05%.

3.5.2. Materials
GO

Figure 3-4: Water Dispersed GO

Water dispersed GO solution was obtained from Ceylon Graphene Technologies. In this
solution GO nanosheets from highest quality Sri Lankan vein graphite which were processed
by ‘Eco – friendly, low – cost proprietary graphite oxidation’ is present at a concentration of
10 mg/ml. Particle size range is from 63μm - 90μm. Elemental analysis of the GO (mass
percentage) obtained through X - ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) is given in the table
below.

20
Table 3-1: X - ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)

Name O C S Si
Average % 28.0 – 33.0 62.0 – 71.0 0.5 – 1.8 0.08 – 0.60

The major functional groups on the surface of the nano sheets are found to be C – OH, C – H
and COOH

Cement Powder
General purpose ordinary Portland cement powder (OPC) of strength class 42.5N was used
throughout the study. The cement powder compliance with SLS 107: 2015.

Table 3-2: Chemical Composition of Cement Powder

Chemical Component Average %

Sulphur Tri Oxide (SO3) 2.32
Chloride (Cl) 0.01

3.5.3. Preparation of Cement Paste

The cement paste was prepared by mixing cement water and water dispersed GO. The
water/cement ratio was maintained as 0.4 by weight. A reference sample of plain cement mix
was kept comparing with the modified cements. To find out the optimum dosage of GO nano
sheets the amount used for modification was varied from 0.01% to 0.05% by weight of cement.
Testing was done following the guidelines stated by (Field Sampling and Fabrication of 50–
mm (2-in) Cube Specimens using Grout (Non-Shrink) and or Mortar) according to the ASTM
guidelines (T 106 / C 109).

Table 3-3: Mix Proportion of Cement Paste for the Study

Sample Number S0 S1 S2 S3 S4 S5
Water to cement ratio 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4
GO% 0.00 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05

Samples were prepared for 2kg of cement to reduce the error in weighting. The measured
amount of GO dispersion was mixed with the measured water until mixture is of uniform
colour. Mix the cement with the solution and mix it until the mixture is of uniform consistency.
The time of mixing was limited so the mixing will be finished within 3 – 4 minutes.

21
Immediately after mixing the mortar, it was placed in the cube mould of 50mm×50mm×50mm
to fill a half height of the mould and tamped with the help of a tamping rod of cross section
13mm × 25 mm and length of 125 mm. The mortar was tamped in 04 rounds of 8 tamps for
total of 32 tamps in 10 seconds. Tamping was done according to the tamping sequence shown
in Figure 3 – 5. The mortar was filled again to the full height and tampered in the same manner
used for the first layer.

Figure 3-5: Tamping Sequence for Moulding

Smooth the surface of the cubes using the trowel. Then cube moulds were place in indoors
where temperature is about 27±20C for 24 hours. After 24 hours cubes were from the mould
and immediately submerge in clean water till testing. Cubes were taken out from water just
before testing.

3.5.4. Compression Test

In order to check the influence of GO on mechanical properties of cement paste, Compression
test was conducted on the specimens (50mm×50mm×50mm). 3 cubes were tested for each

Figure 3-6: Compression Testing Apparatus

22
sample category and report the average value for the test result for both 7-day and 28-day
compressive strength. The rate of loading was set to 1.5 kN/s.

3.5. RESULT ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

Data gathered from literatures were compared and influence of oxygen content on the
performance was studied. Test data obtained through the experiments was compared with the
data from literatures and identified the special properties of GO from Sri Lankan vein graphite.

Discussion was carried out using the information collected from compared test data.

23
4.0 RESULT AND DISCUSSION
4.1. INFLUENCE OF GO ON COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

The compressive strength of GO modified cement paste at 7-day and 28-day are listed in the
table 4-1. It can be seen that all other samples except S1 and S5 exhibit considerable increase
in compressive strength. S1 and S5 shows a decrease in compressive strength when compared
with S0. Optimum dosage of GO for cement modification can be identified as S3 which is
0.03% by weight it shows 70% increase in compressive strength in 7-days and 27.5% increase
in 28-days when compared with the reference sample.

Table 4-1: Compressive Strength of Modified Cement Paste at 7-days

Sample Flexural Strength Increase Ratio

(MPa) (%)
S0 17.65 -
S1 13.73 -22.2
S2 21.78 23.4
S3 30.01 70.0
S4 23.24 31.7
S5 15.58 -11.8

Table 4-2: Compressive Strength of Modified Cement Paste at 28-days

Sample Flexural Strength Increase Ratio

(MPa) (%)
S0 30.35 -
S1 24.94 -17.8
S2 32.99 8.7
S3 38.70 27.5
S4 34.01 12.1
S5 20.28 -33.2

The large surface area of GO with functional groups such as C – OH, C – H and COOH may
have acted as nucleation sites, facilitating. Also, the uniform dispersion of the GO and the
functional groups may have provided reinforcement for the cement matrix. These factors may
have improved the compressive strength of the GO modified cement.

24
When GO concentration is further increased compressive strength decreases due to aggregation
of GO in the matrix. Further when the number of nano sheets increased, they tend to overlap
with each other instead of random spreading (Li, et al., 2019). This may have caused the
decrease in compressive strengths for S4 and S5.

It can be seen that the percentage increase in 7days strength is higher when compared with 28
days. So GO modified cements will be greater use when early strength gain requirement is a
necessity.

Figure 4-1: Compressive Strength Results

4.2. FAILURE METHOD

Up to the S3 all the cubes tends to fail in a way such that all four exposed faces are cracked
approximately equally, generally with little damage to the faces in contact with the platens.

But, with increasing GO content furthermore cubes tend to crack unevenly only in one corner
or along one edge. This may be due to heterogeneous nature of the cement paste with the
agglomeration of GO sheets due to increased concentration.

25
 Figure 4-2: Failure Pattern in Cubes Casted

4.3. COMPARISON OF TEST RESULTS WITH OTHER DATA IN

LITERATURE

The test data from five literatures were compared with the results obtained from the experiment.
All the experiments chosen to have used water to cement ratio of 0.4 – 0.45 and different
oxygen percentages in the GO used. The percentage increment in the compressive strength was
used for the comparison.

Table 4-3: Oxygen Content and Reference for Data used in Comparison

No Oxygen Content (%) Reference

N1 47.52 (Devi & Khan, 2020)
N2 41-50 (Qureshi & Panesar, 2019)
N3 41-50 (Li, et al., 2017)
N4 36.84 (Shang, Zhang, Yang, Liu, & Liu, Effect of Graphene Oxide
on rheological properties of cement pastes, 2015)
N5 34.05 (Qureshi, Panesar, Sidhureddy, Chen, & Wood, 2019)
N6 28-33 Experiment Conducted

26
 Comparison of Test Data of GO with Different Oxygen
Concentrations
30
Percentage Increase in Compressive Strength

20

10

0
0 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.07 0.08 0.09
-10

-20

-30

-40
GO Percentage by Weight Used for Cement Modification

N1 N2 N3 N4 N5 N6

Figure 4-3: Comparison of Test Data

According to the graph the sample N6 shows the maximum percentage increase in the
compressive strength in the presence of 0.03% GO by weight. According to the literature
further increase in strengths does not occur when the oxygen content increase above 29.33%
(Lv S. , Ma, Chaochao, & Zhou, 2013).

It can be seen that with the increase in oxygen percentage the dosage needed to reach the
maximum strength also increases. It may no be cost effective since small increment in the use
of GO will increase the cost of the product significantly. Therefore, GO with lesser oxygen
content perform better than the GO with higher oxygen content.

27
5.0 CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION
The effect of GO on the compressive strength of cement were investigated with the water to
cement ratio of 0.4 and the role of oxygen functional groups of GO on increasing the efficiency
of cement modification was reviewed and discussed in this study.

The following conclusion have been drawn from the study,

1) The incorporation of GO increases the compressive strength of modified cement. The

optimum dosage was to be around 0.03% by weight. The compressive strength will start
to decrease when the dosage is increased than the optimum dosage and it will be below the
compressive strength of normal cement paste when the dosage is further increased.
2) Percentage of oxygen or oxygen functional groups in GO influence the improvement in
the compressive strength of the modified cement. Increase in oxygen content will hinder
the improvement of compressive strength property. Chemically the percentage of oxygen
can be maintained at the optimum level. But it will not be cost efficient or ecofriendly.
Using Sr Lankan vein graphite/ epigenetic graphite deposits, GO with lesser oxygen
content can be obtained which will perform better and it will be cost efficient and
ecofriendly.

This research is only addressing the impact on GO on compressive strength by only using GO
synthesized from Sri Lankan vein graphite using graphite oxidation. This research area can be
more improved through experimenting the improvement of other mechanical and durability
properties with GO synthesized from other types of graphite and which use various production
methods.

28
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