Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) are known to
possess exceptional tensile strength, elastic modulus and electrical and
thermal conductivity. They are promising candidates for the
next-generation high-performance structural and multi-functional
composite materials. However, one of the largest obstacles to creating
strong, electrically or thermally conductive CNT/CNF
composites is the difficulty of getting a good dispersion of the carbon
nanomaterials in a matrix. Typically, time-consuming steps of
purification and functionalization of the carbon nanomaterial are
required. We propose a new approach to grow CNTs/CNFs
directly on the surface of matrix particles. As the matrix we selected
cement, the most important construction material. We synthesized in a
simple one-step process a novel cement hybrid material (CHM), wherein
CNTs and CNFs are attached to the cement particles. The CHM has been
proven to increase 2 times the compressive strength and 40 times the
electrical conductivity of the hardened paste, i.e. concrete without
sand.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 023013 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | New Journal of Physics |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2009 |
MoE publication type | A1 Journal article-refereed |