Jari Malm

A novel cement-based hybrid material

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 conduc- tive CNT/CNF composites is the difficulty of getting a good dispersion of the carbon nanomaterials in a matrix. Typically, time-consuming steps of purifica- tion and functionalization of the carbon nanomaterial are required. We propose a new approach to grow CNTs/CNFs directly on the surface of matrix particles.

Synthesis of carbon nanotubes and nanofibers on silica and cement matrix materials

In order to create strong composite materials, a good dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanofibers (CNFs) in a matrix material must be obtained. We proposed a simple method of growing the desirable carbon nanomaterial directly on the surface of matrix particles. CNTs and CNFs were synthesised on the surface of model object, silica fume particles impregnated by iron salt, and directly on pristine cement particles, naturally containing iron oxide. Acetylene was successfully utilised as a carbon source in the temperature range from 550 to 750°C. 5-10 walled CNTs with diameters of 10-15nm at 600°C and 12-20nm at 750°C were synthesised on silica particles. In case of cement particles, mainly CNFs with a diameter of around 30nm were grown. It was shown that high temperatures caused chemical and physical transformation of cement particles.

Direct Synthesis of Carbon Nanofibers on Cement Particles

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanofibers (CNFs) are promising candidates for the next generation of high-performance structural and multifunctional composite materials. 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 are required in purifying and functionalizing the carbon nanomaterial. A new approach under which CNTs–CNFs are grown directly on the surface of matrix and matrix precursor particles is proposed. Cement was selected as the precursor matrix, since it is the most important construction material. A novel cement hybrid material (CHM) was synthesized in which CNTs and CNFs are attached to the cement particles by two different methods: screw feeder and fluidized bed reactors. CHM has been proved to increase the compressive strength by two times and the electrical conductivity of the hardened paste by 40 times.