Dynamic mechanical properties of cementitious composites with carbon nanotubes

Abstract

This paper studied the effect of different types of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the dynamic mechanical properties of cementitious composites. Impact compression test was conducted on various specimens to obtain the dynamic stress-strain curves and dynamic compressive strength as well as deformation of cementitious composites. The dynamic impact toughness and impact dissipation energy were, then, estimated. Furthermore, the microscopic morphology of cementitious composites was identified by using the scanning electron microscope to show the reinforcing mechanisms of MWCNTs on cementitious composites. Experimental results show that all types of MWCNTs can increase the dynamic compressive strength and ultimate strain of the composite, but the dynamic peak strain of the composite presents deviations with the MWCNT incorporation. The composite with thick-short MWCNTs has a 100.8% increase in the impact toughness, and the composite with thin-long MWCNTs presents an increased dissipation energy up to 93.8%. MWCNTs with special structure or coating treatment have higher reinforcing effect to strength of the composite against untreated MWCNTs. The modifying mechanisms of MWCNTs on cementitious composite are mainly attributed to their nucleation and bridging effects, which prevent the micro-crack generation and delay the macro-crack propagation through increasing the energy consumption.