Influence of graphene oxide in the hydration mechanism by reinforcing mechanical strength and microstructural Characterization of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC)

In the past few years, one of the most promising graphite-based nanomaterials in the construction industry has been Graphene Oxide (GO) due to its outstanding performance combined with cementitious composites. Introducing extensive Engineering Cementitious Materials (ECMs) improves Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) mechanical, durability, and microstructural characteristics. Very few studies have been concentrated on cement pastes, mortars, and regular concrete, high strength concrete. Limited studies on UHPC with large volumes of ECMs done. The present investigation mainly focuses on improving the UHPC in fresh, mechanical, and microstructural behavior. Four mixes were prepared with GO (0.00%, 0.03%, 0.06%, and 0.1% by weight of cement) and a water-cement ratio of 0.20. Results indicated that the mix with 0.06% GO had a better outcome and improved the compressive, split tensile, and flexural strength compared with other test mixes. Microstructural analysis carries out using x-ray fluorescence (XRF), x-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive x-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Fourier-Transform Raman Spectroscopy (FT-RAMAN) on 28 days UHPC mixes and quality of the concrete mixes analyzed with Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UVP) test. They developed and established the fundamental step toward the cost-effective, eco-friendly, sustainable UHPC.