Nanoindentation and nano-scratch studies on cement paste containing short MWCNTs

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are an attractive reinforcement material for several composites. This is due to their inherently high tensile strength and high modulus of elasticity. This study looked at the nanomechanical characteristics of cement paste with and without short multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The objective behind studying the nanomechanical properties of cement paste is to better understand the fundamental behaviour of cement at the nanoscale level. Cement paste is a complex material that consists of various phases, including cement hydrates, un-hydrated cement particles, and porosity. By studying the mechanical properties of cement paste at the nanoscale, researchers can gain insights into the mechanisms that govern the behaviour of this material. Following earlier tests, the amount of MWCNTs was kept constant (0.30% by weight of cement). Nanomechanical parameters explored include localised Young's modulus and hardness. According to test results, short MWCNTs increased the proportion of high-density calcium silicate hydrate in cement paste. The nanomechanical properties (localised Young's modulus and hardness) of cement paste with short MWCNTs was found to be greater than that of cement paste without MWCNTs. According to nano-scratching experiments the cement matrix with short MWCNTs is substantially more durable than the matrix without them.