Work

Promoting the mechanical features and thermal endurance of OPC - Pumice composites using functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes grafted with nano- silica

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The negative environmental damage, exhaustion of resources, and vast energy consumption due to Portland cement (OPC) manufacturing have urged the adoption of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in the form of a partial replacement of cement. The primary objective of this study is to assess the suitability of using pumice powder as a partial substitute for cement to reduce the carbon footprint and mitigate the economic impact of OPC production. Different OPC-pumice pastes were created by replacing OPC with 0%, 15%, and 20% of pumice powder by mass. To enhance the mechanical properties of the prepared pastes under various conditions, minor amounts (0.05, 0.1, and 0.2%) of a functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes and silica nanoparticles (MWCNTs/SN) composite were employed. (MWCNTs/SN) composite was prepared in the laboratory using a simple sol–gel method. The mechanical strength, physicochemical characteristics, and thermal stability at various elevated temperatures for different hardened pastes were investigated. Differential thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG), X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscope imaging proved the formation of many strength-giving phases like ill-crystalline and/or amorphous CSH, CASH, and CAH. The data obtained revealed that the perfect MWCNTs/SN dose is 0.20% by mass of the blend, and nominated OPC-20% Pumice-0.2 MWCNTs/SN composite to be the best choice among all investigated composites for use in construction that is exposed to elevated temperatures.

Source: Innovative Infrastructure Solutions

DOI: 10.1007/s41062-025-02341-y

Authors: Amr A. Bayoumi, S. M. A. El-Gamal, M. H. Khedr, Waleed. M. A. El Rouby, O. A. Mohamed

Institutions: Beni-Suef University, Ain Shams University

Language: English

Topic: Concrete and Cement Materials Research

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,090