Abstract

The primary barriers hindering graphene's widespread adoption as a performance-enhancing additive in cement-based systems have traditionally been its prohibitive cost and the sustainability concerns associated with conventional manufacturing processes. However, these impediments have recently been mitigated by advancements in detonation synthesis techniques, enabling scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally favorable production of novel graphene types—specifically fractal graphene (FG) and reactive graphene (RG). This paper explores the influence of ultra-low dosages of FG and RG (≤ 0.04 % by mass of cement, which results in ∼20 % increase in compressive strengths) on the pore-structure features of cement pastes. Compared to the control paste, substantial microstructural densification is achieved—manifested through porosity reductions of 20–40 %, accompanied by a up to 50 % decrease in the average pore size along with substantial reduction in the fraction of smaller pores. Pore structure densification, attributable to increased formation of hydrates, is indirectly quantified using a phase boundary nucleation and growth (pBNG) model implemented on isothermal heat release data by back-calculating the effective surface area enhancement that augments the formation of C-S-H in the presence of FG or RG. Experimental results along with the model are useful in determining the optimal graphene dosage. Electrical conductivity of the pastes is used to determine the tortuosity of the pore structure, which further aids in estimation of gas diffusion coefficient, which is an analog for moisture and ionic transport properties. The beneficial effects of graphene, especially RG, at ultra-low dosages, are evident, highlighting the potential of novel graphene types as high-performance additives for concrete.

Department(s)

Materials Science and Engineering

Second Department

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Publication Status

Full Text Access

Comments

National Science Foundation, Grant None

Keywords and Phrases

Boundary nucleation and growth model; Electrical conductivity; Gas diffusion coefficient; Mercury intrusion porosimetry; Novel graphene types; Tortuosity

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0950-0618

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2025 Elsevier, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

26 Sep 2025

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