Pozzolanic Cement-Sand Mortar with Graphene Oxide nano-sheet: An Experimental Study on Strength, Durability and Microstructural Properties

Graphene oxide (GO) is a recently developed 2D, single-layered carbon-based nano-material. It has garnered much attention in the scientific community as a reinforcing agent in cementitious composites. In the present work, it has been found that the morphology of cement mortar with Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) has been modified, and thus the mechanical and durability qualities have been enhanced. With 0.03% of GO addition, the maximum fluidity of the PPC-based mortar was lowered by 18% compared to the control. With the addition of 0.04% GO, the mechanical parameters, such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength, of mortar enhanced by 12%, 22%, and 32%, after 28 days of curing, respectively. It was also observed that the inclusion of GO in mortar decreased the rate of water absorption and RCPT values and thus boosted the resistance to acid assaults. By using XRD, FESEM, and EDS analysis, it was possible to determine the morphological enhancement of cement-sand mortar with GO caused by the development of new hydration products.