Project Details
Projekt
Modes of action of Carbon Nanotubes in cement-based matrices
Subject Area
Construction Material Sciences, Chemistry, Building Physics
Term
from 2014 to 2017
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 251787748
Development of high-performance cement-based materials requires an intelligent use of new substances for a purposeful and reproducible adjustment of specific properties. Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) are one of such trendsetting substances which enable to shape the microstructure and properties of this group of materials. In this project modes of actions of CNTs in the hardened cement paste should be investigated and the real technical potential for the use of CNTs as nano-reinforcement in cement-based materials should be clarified. To achieve these goals, CNTs having high real strength and low addiction to agglomeration will be synthesised and characterised. Furthermore, the optimum configuration of the bond between these CNTs and hardened cement paste will be investigated. The experimental program comprises among others the determination of the mechanical properties of individual CNTs in dependence of their structure and curing conditions. The changes in the microstructure of hardened cement paste due to addition of CNTs will be studied by means of high-resolution microscopy and computer tomography. The effect of the changes in the microstructure on the mechanical properties of the composite will be investigated at the macro- and micro- or nano-levels. Based on the obtained results and knowledge a modelling approach will be developed to describe the behaviour of CNTs during mechanical loading of the cement matrix.
DFG Programme
Research Grants
