Graphene oxide

reinforced concrete
Monash researchers, led by Dr Wenhui Duan, have discovered
a novel method for reinforcing concrete construction materials.
Figure 1
40
They have developed a cementitious cementitious material. Alternatively, OPC
compositions can be produced by GO-OPC
matrix with enhanced strength and 40
32
durability through the incorporation adding GO at the time of mixing the OPC
GO-OPC
of graphene oxide (GO). cementitious material, liquid, aggregate 32

(MPa)(MPa)
and other conventional additives. 24
Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is
widely used in the construction industry. Laboratory tests show that only 0.05%

StressStress
24
16
However, to overcome its poor tensile of GO is needed to improve flexural
properties and to delay the development strength of an OPC matrix from 16
of micro-cracks, it must be reinforced between 41% to 59% and compressive 8
with steel bars and various fibres may strength from between 15% to 33%.
be added.
8
0
The addition of GO also improves the
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.3 0.35 0.4
ductility and reduces the likelihood of
Applications sudden failure of concrete, with GO-
0
0 0.05 0.1
Strain
0.15 0.3 0.35 0.4
OPC samples displaying a broader 0.25
Figure 2
n Conventional buildings and Strain OPC
infrastructure utilising precast or stress-strain curve within the post-peak GO-OPC
0.25
(ml/g)(ml/g)

cast-in-place products zone (Figure 1). 0.2 OPC

GO-OPC
Laboratory tests also show that the
volumne

n Offshore
and other structures in 0.2
marine environments addition of 0.05% GO improves pore 0.15
volumne

n Well
structure and decreases total porosity
cementing 0.15
from 32.6% to 28.2%, providing higher 0.1
Cumulative

n Smart
materials for structural health compressive strength and a more
monitoring 0.1
Cumulative

durable product. 0.05

Advantages The addition of GO improves the degree
of hydration of the cement paste and 0.05
0
n Highercompressive and tensile increases the density of the cement 101 102 103
strength matrix, creating a more durable product. 0 Pore size (nm)
n More
101 102 103
durable
n Corrosion resistance
Opportunity Pore size (nm)

Technology
When GO is included in OPC
compositions, the matrix materials
produced exhibit significantly improved
Industry partners are sought for further
development of this technology with a
view to licensing and commercialisation.
Patent status
Comparison of mechanical parameters of graphene oxide
reinforced cement (GO-OPC) and OPC; the compressive
strength of cement paste is 46% higher and the
microstructure of cement paste is finer and denser with
the inclusion of GO sheets.

mechanical and physical properties. The technology is owned by Monash

The composition is normally produced and is protected by PCT/
by dispersing GO sheets in water AU2012/001582.
without the inclusion of dispersant, Contact us
surfactant or stabilizing agents, and Industry Engagement and Commercialisation
then mixing the dispersion with
Dr Ina Sambor
Senior Business Development Associate
Faculty of Engineering
Phone: 03 9905 3163
Mobile: +61 407 989 940
Email: ina.sambor@monash.edu

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