Title:
Highly Dispersed CNT Reinforced Metakaolin-Cement Mortars with Enhanced Load-Bearing Capacity and Energy Absorption Capability
Author(s):
Rohitashva Singh
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
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DOI:
Date:
10/23/2022
Abstract:
The use of pozzolanic materials with a low energy-consumption footprint, such as metakaolin (MK), is a promising way for developing sustainable eco-efficient concrete with enhanced mechanical and fracture properties. The effective incorporation of nanoscale fibers, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), into the relatively brittle Metakaolin-Ordinary Portland Cement (MK-OPC) matrix holds great potential in enhancing the composite's energy absorption capacity. In this study, the development of MK-OPC mortars reinforced with low amounts of highly dispersed CNTs, ~0.1 wt%, is carried out. The mechanical and fracture properties were evaluated through fracture mechanics tests on notched beam specimens following the Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) and Two-Parameter Fracture Model (TPFM). The results indicate that the synergistic effort of MK with high surface area and CNTs with high aspect ratio lead to substantial improvements in load-bearing capacity, modulus of elasticity, +70%, first-crack strength, +60%, and fracture toughness +80%; and energy absorption capability, first-crack and flexural toughness, +80%.