Durability and Mechanical Properties of CNT Cement Composites

Due to their unique intrinsic properties, carbon nanotubes (CNT) are considered potential candidates for developing new functional properties when they are included into the cementitious matrix. This work has the aim of characterising the main properties of CNT Portland cement composites, regarding their mechanical properties and their durability facing corrosion processes. Variation in mechanical properties of mortars with different dosages of CNT and corrosion of embedded steel rebars in CNT cement pastes were investigated. Firstly, bending strength, compression strength, porosity and density of CNT mortars were obtained and compared with the reference (without CNT). Afterwards, CNT reinforced paste specimens were prepared to be exposed to carbonation and chloride attacks. The results on steel corrosion rate tests were related to CNT dosages. The increase in CNT addition implied no significant variations of mechanical properties but slightly higher steel corrosion intensities were found.