Effect of graphene oxide nanosheets of microstructure and mechanical properties of cement composites

Graphene oxides (GOs) nanosheets were prepared by oxidization and ultrasonic dispersion. Effects of GO nanosheets on microstructure and mechanical properties of cement composites were investigated by observing shape changes of cement hydration crystals and testing mechanical strength. The results indicated that GO nanosheets can regulate formation of flower-like crystals and remarkably increase the tensile/flexural strength of the corresponding cement composites. A possible regulation mechanism was proposed and thought GO nanosheets exhibited the template effect and contributed to the formation of flower-like crystals. The research provide a new pathway to significantly improving the toughness of cement composites by a simple method.