Prediction and evaluation of thermal conductivity in nanomaterial-reinforced cementitious composites

Reinforcing cementitious composites with nanomaterials is an effective way to reduce porosity and enhance thermal conductivity (TC). In this study, the TCs of cementitious composites were predicted using an innovative theoretical framework combining numerical simulations (molecular dynamics) and theoretical analyses (homogenization theory and effective medium theory). The effects of thermal and geometric parameters upon the TC were investigated. Graphene and graphene oxide were selected as representative nanomaterials to estimate the TC, owing to excellent heat transfer property. According to the theoretical framework, two evaluation indicators were firstly provided to evaluate the reinforcing effect of nanomaterials upon the TC. This study provides theoretical support and specifications for practical experiments and engineering applications.