Influence of Graphene Nanoplatelets on the Compressive and Split Tensile Strengths of Geopolymer Concrete

Abstract Geopolymer is now a more advanced alternative to cement and available substitute for OPC while graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) are new nanomaterials with extraordinary properties that can enhance and improve the strength of cementitious materials. Although graphene reinforced concrete has intriguing potential, its implementation in construction requires better knowledge of the impact of GnP on the properties of concrete related to durability. Studies on the compressive and tensile strength performance of geopolymer concrete (GPC) containing GnP are needed. The present study investigated the influence of reinforcing GPC with varying percentages of GnP on the compressive and split tensile strengths of GPC. The addition of GnP ranged from 0.0%, 0.25% and 0.5% by weight of total binder. It has been observed that the addition of GnP increased the compressive strength by 30% and the tensile strength by 22% in comparison to a reference sample with a specified composition of fly ash and sodium metasilicate. In addition, the effect of GnP on enhancing the compressive strength of the geopolymer was shown to diminish as the amount of sodium metasilicate increased.