Dispersion of carbon nanotubes in aqueous cementitious materials: A review

Abstract

Abstract In this review, the research reports on the dispersion processes of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in aqueous cementitious materials are intensively introduced and summarized. The main processes for the CNTs dispersion in aqueous systems include high shear emulsification, ultrasonic treatment, covalent modification, and non-covalent modification. The influences of various factors on the dispersity of CNTs are evaluated, and the pros and cons of dispersion processes of CNTs are analyzed, along with the dispersion mechanism of CNTs in aqueous materials. Several novel techniques are also introduced, including arc thermal excitation and electromagnetic field-induced method, etc. In addition, the challenges when CNTs dispersion are further involved in cementitious alkali pore solution and the improvement means are also described in detail. And, the direct dispersion process (in situ growth process) of CNTs in cementitious materials has also been discussed in depth.