Synergistic effects of combined multi-walled carbon nanotubes and glass fibers on concrete: experimental and economic analysis
Ali Ebrahim, S. Kandasamy, Haytham F. Isleem, Afzal Husain Khan, C. Venkata Siva Rama Prasad, Ahmed Salih Mohammed, Ahmad Alyaseen
Abstract
This article deals with the combined application of MWCNTs and GFs to improve mechanical property and durability of concrete. MWCNTs were dispersed by sonication and added in dosages of 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15% of cement weight, while GFs were added at 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% of mixture weight. Compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths, as well as modulus of elasticity, rebound number, and ultrasonic pulse velocity, were tested at various curing ages. Accordingly, the addition of 0.10% MWCNTs and 1.0% GFs resulted in the enhancement of compressive strength while improving modulus of elasticity by up to 14%. In addition, durability improved owing to reduced sorptivity with the aid of pore refinement by MWCNTs and crack-bridging by the GFs. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the optimum mix developed a denser microstructure; however, mixtures with higher dosages of MWCNTs exhibited agglomeration, influencing their performance adversely. In addition, economic assessment pointed out that the best property improvement-cost ratio corresponded to a benefit-cost ratio equal to 0.104. The present research provides an insight into the development of high-performance concrete materials and delivers practical recommendations on how MWCNTs could be combined with GF in order to create durable yet economically viable concretes.