The role of Graphene-based nanomaterials in enhancing Resiliency and Ductility in Engineered Concrete

Graphene-based nanomaterials have gained significant attention for enhancing cement matrices due to their exceptional surface area and remarkable mechanical, physical, and chemical properties. These characteristics make them ideal candidates for improving the overall performance of engineered cementitious materials. This study focuses on accelerating the carbonation kinetics within nanostructured interfaces of cement systems by incorporating 2D graphene-based nanomaterials. Exfoliated graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), with a surface area 3-5 times greater than that of cement grains, were used. Experimental results revealed that concrete reinforced with exfoliated, few-layer GNPs demonstrated 1.5 times higher carbonation uptake and mineralization capacity. Additionally, quantitative nanomechanical property mapping highlighted a 50-80% increase in nanoscale modulus of elasticity and elastic strain energy absorption in carbonated nanostructured interfaces compared to concrete without the reinforcement. These improvements in carbonation kinetics and mechanical properties suggest enhanced durability and strength, as well as increased resiliency in the carbonated concrete. The study illustrates how the incorporation of carbon-based nanomaterials can significantly improve both the performance and long-term serviceability of engineered concrete.