Multifunctional Concrete with Graphene-Based Nanomaterials and Superabsorbent Polymer

This study reports on the development of a multifunctional concrete using graphene nanoplatelet (GnP) and sodium polyacrylate (SP) superabsorbent polymer. A combination of concrete functionalities was convened to improve, i.e., high strength and durability along with smart properties such as self-healing and self-sensing. GnP (0.05% by weight of cement) and SP (0.11% by weight of cement) were dispersed in concrete. Compared to the control concrete mix (no GnP and SP), the compressive strength increased 14% by GnP and decreased 9% by SP, and their combination resulted in a 6% enhancement in strength. The durability performance of concrete samples under coupled degradation mechanisms of freeze-thaw and chloride ion ingress suggested that SP in concrete has a better performance than GnP in concrete. SP in concrete shows self-sealing abilities resulting in less chloride ion penetration. However, the combined effect of both GnP and SP in concrete resulted in the maximum reduction in chloride ion penetration depth under freeze-thaw, a 42% reduction compared to the control mix. Microstructural analysis was conducted and found to resist the effects of freeze-thaw and reduce chloride ion penetration in modified concrete compared to the control concrete mix. GnP developed self-sensing abilities in concrete, resulting in about 12.7% fractional change of electrical resistance under 10 KN of cyclic compressive loading. The synergic impact of GnP and SP possesses a new prospect for developing highly efficient multifunctional concrete.