Shiho Kawashima

Influence of Carbon Nanotube Clustering on Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Cement Pastes

Given the continued challenge of dispersion, for practical purposes, it is of interest to evaluate the impact of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) at different states of clustering on the eventual performance properties of cement paste. This study evaluated the clustering of MWCNTs and the resultant effect on the mechanical and electrical properties when incorporated into cement paste. Cement pastes containing different concentrations of MWCNTs (up to 0.5% by mass of cement) with/without surfactant were characterized. MWCNT clustering was assessed qualitatively in an aqueous solution through visual observation, and quantitatively in cement matrices using a scanning electron microscopy technique. Additionally, the corresponding 28-day compressive strength, tensile strength, and electrical conductivity were measured. Results showed that the use of surfactant led to a downward shift in the MWCNT clustering size distribution in the matrices of MWCNT/cement paste, indicating improved dispersion of MWCNTs. The compressive strength, tensile strength, and electrical conductivity of the composites with surfactant increased with MWCNT concentration and were higher than those without surfactant at all concentrations.

Experimental investigation on quantitative nanomechanical properties of cement paste

Nanoindentation, quantitative modulus mapping, and PeakForce quantitative nanomechanical mapping (QNM) are applied to investigate the quantitative nanomechanics of hardened cement paste at different spatial resolutions. The elastic modulus measured by static nanoindentation is slightly higher than those measured by the other methods. The average elastic modulus and probability obtained by PeakForce QNM are typically consistent with those found by modulus mapping. Both modulus mapping and PeakForce QNM can be used to discriminate different material phases in cement paste at the nanoscale. It concludes that cement paste is a granular material in which the sub-micron scale grains or basic nanoscale units pack together. Moreover, the high resolution Peak-Force QNM can provide an efficient tool for identifying nanomechanical properties, particle sizes, and thickness of the interface between different nanoscale grains.

Characterization of Cement-Based Materials Modified with Graphene-Oxide

For applications in cement and concrete, studies on carbon-based nanomaterials have been almost exclusively on carbon nanotubes, even constituting a large portion of studies on nanomaterials of any type. Although a promising approach, economic and dispersion issues continue to limit industry acceptance. Graphene oxide (GO), derived cost-effectively from graphite, shows good dispersion in water. In this paper, preliminary results showing the beneficial effects of graphene oxide on the hardening and mechanical properties of cement-based materials are presented.

Phase Evolution of Oil Well Cements with Nano-Additive at Elevated Temperature/Pressure

Phase characterization of Class A oil well cement slurries was performed through synchrotron X-ray diffraction technique. This allowed for real-time, in-place measurements of X-ray diffraction patterns to be obtained and, subsequently, the continuous formation and decomposition of select phases over time (up to 8 hours). Phases of interest included alite, ferrite, portlandite, ettringite, monosulfate, and jaffeite (crystalline form of calcium silicate hydrate). The effects of elevated temperatures (140, 185, and 300°F [60, 85, and 149°C]) at elevated pressure (up to approximately 15 ksi [100 MPa]), as well as the effect of nanomaterial addition were investigated. Rate of conversion of ettringite to monosulfate increased with increasing temperature, and monosulfate became unstable when temperatures reached 185°F (85°C). The results of synchrotron X-ray diffraction provided evidence of a seeding effect introduced by nano-sized attapulgite clays at 0.5% addition by mass of cement, where acceleration in the rate of formation of portlandite and jaffeite was observed. This was supported by isothermal calorimetry results.

A novel evidence for the formation of semi-permeable membrane surrounding the Portland cement particles during the induction period

This letter presents strong novel evidence for the semi-permeable membrane surrounding Portland cement during the induction period. In the cement hydration, heat curve obtained through high-resolution differential scanning calorimetry under isothermal conditions, one main and some other smaller endothermic peaks were detected. These endothermic peaks are believed to be caused by the osmotic expansion that occurs after the semi-permeable membrane forms, not the precipitation of calcium hydroxide or the imbibition of water during the induction period.

Rheological and Water Transport Properties of Cement Pastes Modified with Diutan Gum and Attapulgite/Palygorskite Nanoclays for 3D Concrete Printing

This paper identifies and addresses two challenges in extrusion-based 3D concrete printing from a materials perspective. The first is the effect of self-weight and the weight of subsequent layers on structural build-up. And the second is the excessive water loss of printed materials due to the absence of formwork. Viscosity modifying admixtures (VMAs) are extensively used in cement-based 3D printing projects to achieve sufficient print quality, shape stability, and printability window. This study aims to evaluate VMAs’ effects on the two aforementioned challenges through investigating the evolution of static yield stress under sustained stress at rest and water retention capacity of cement pastes modified with nanoclay and diutan gum.

Activation of Fly Ash through Nanomodification

Due to the high carbon emissions that result from cement production, it is desirable to limit the cement content of concrete to make it a more sustainable material. This is possible through substantial replacement of cement with supplementary materials, such as fly ash. The positive effects of this approach are twofold. First, reducing the cement content of concrete will reduce its carbon footprint. Second, fly ash is a coal combustion byproduct, so essentially a waste material, which must be stored in landfills and enclosures if unused. Therefore, the productive use of fly ash by incorporating it into building materials at high volumes can help alleviate a waste storage issue. This paper is a summary of studies performed at the Center for Advanced Cement-Based Materials - Northwestern University, in collaboration with Iowa State University, relating to the activation of fly ash through nanomodification. Through seeding effects and increased reactivity, nanoparticles can accelerate cement hydration and subsequently the production of calcium hydroxide (CH), which can help activate the pozzolanic reaction of fly ash particles. Two types of nanoparticles are discussed in this summary paper: silica (SiO²) and calcium carbonate (CaCO³). The study on CaCO³ nanoparticles addresses the issue of dispersion, which is critical for nanomaterials, and the resultant effects on the hardening and early-age properties of fly ash-cement pastes. And the study on nano SiO² focuses on determining the mechanisms underlying the effect of the pozzolanic nanoparticle on the early-age and long-term compressive strength gain of fly ash-cement mortars.