查看文章

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) have the same chemical structures as carbon nanotubes but their internal structure consists of multiple layers of graphene with thicknesses of only a few nanometers. Compared to carbon nanotubes, GNPs are less prone to agglomeration and entanglement when they are used as nanofillers in composite materials. This paper investigates the development of self-sensing cement composites using a simple fabrication method that does not require special preparation procedures such as ultrasonication and chemical (covalent) preparation for the dispersion of GNPs. Three fabrication methods were evaluated, two of which used variations of polycarboxylate-based superplasticizer and mechanical mixing to disperse GNPs into mortar matrix while the third served as a benchmark and relied on ultrasonication for the dispersion of nanomaterials. Standard prismatic mortar specimens …