Synthesis of carbon nanotubes on sand grains for mortar reinforcement

Abstract This study reports a new method of incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in mortar and the observed improvements in its mechanical properties. The method consists in growing carbon nanotubes (CNT) on sand grains prior to the mortar preparation instead of incorporating functionalized MWCNT (f-MWCNT) to the mixture. The use of additives or surfactants is not required. Flexural strength tests show an average increase of 12% in the strength when using f-MWCNT. Meanwhile, the average gain in flexural strength reached 26% with the proposed method. Also, image tests prove the efficiency of this new method in homogeneously distributing CNT bundles. Since no advanced technique is applied in producing mortar from the altered sand, the method represents a simple and economically viable way of incorporating CNT at building sites, disclosing a variety of future applications of nanotechnology in the cement industry.