Optimal Carbon Nanotubes Concentration Incorporated in Mortar and Concrete

International audienceThe mechanical properties and microstructure of modified mortar and concrete using Carbon NanoTubes (CNT) are experimentally studied at 7, 14, 28 and 90 curing days. Part of the formulation, CNT are dispersed in a liquid solution. Different concentrations ranging from 0.01% to 0.06% and 0.003% up to 0.01% are used for mortar and concrete, respectively. Mechanical testing of the modified materials reveals that maximum compressive strength is obtained for CNT concentrations close to 0.01%wt and 0.003%wt for mortar and concrete, respectively. The microstructural characterisation of the modified materials suggests that CNT act as bridges between pores and cracks leading to a reduction in porosity and in turn an increase of compressive strength