Mechanical characteristics, microstructural evolution, and reinforcement mechanisms for a cement-matrix nanocomposite

The present paper is focused to understand the reinforcement mechanisms exerted by GO nanosheets to both strengthen and toughen cement-matrix composites since, despite intensive research, such mechanisms are still not completely clear. To such an aim, the mechanical characteristics (that is, mechanical strengths and fracture toughness) of a cement-matrix nanocomposite, with the 0.05 % of GO used as an additive, are experimentally investigated at different curing times. Since reinforcement mechanisms are closely related to cement hydration products, they are qualified and quantified by chemical, mineralogical and microstructural analyses performed at the above times of curing. The present investigation leads to the conclusion that the role of both CSH and AFt content is dominant in strengthen and toughen of cement matrix-nanocomposites with GO used as an additive.