Hydration and microstructure of nano modified cement paste

Abstract

Hydration of cement systems modified by nano additives requires the understanding of its mechanisms. The present research is focused on the investigation of hydration processes in cement pastes modified by multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) suspension. The ultrasonication method was used for homogenization of MWCNTs in the volume of an aqueous suspension. The hydration of cement pastes was assessed by the calorimetry test. The prolongation of cement hydration in case of modification by MWCNT suspension was observed. The microstructure observation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed for identification of MWCNT's dispergation in hardened cement pastes and for the observation of cement hydration products. The compressive and flexural strength were tested to evaluate the effect of MWCNT on mechanical properties of hardened cement paste.