Graphene enhanced cement for light weight Fencing Applications

Purpose and goal

The purpose of this pre-study project was to have a proof-of-concept with using functionalized graphene into the cement to reduce the weight while maintaining the mechanical performance. The test was not only carried out in the lab, but also for in field tests. The enhancement on compressive strength was observed, but the results still have deviation from batch to batch, which indicates that further studies need be made to determine margins of parameters involved in processing of functionalized graphene, mixing and hydration condition of the concrete.

Expected results and effects

The on-site tests with graphene-enhanced and reference concrete fence was carried out outdoors for three months. The vibration of different fences was monitored and compressive strength of the samples after dismantling the fences was also measured. Both results are promising, we could see the enhancement by adding graphene into the concrete. At the same time the results are not so consistent from batch to batch, that means the functionalized-group still needs to be optimized in scale up conditions and the mixing parameters of graphene-cement composite also need to be further studied.

Planned approach and implementation

The pre-study was a collaborative work between Chalmers University of Technology, SHT and Heda. We carried out the on-site testing of graphene-enhanced cement. For next step, we need deep understanding on hydration process on the concrete with graphene under particular circumstances, like outdoors and frost condition. SHT will improve the repeatability of up-scaling process of functionalized graphene and Heda will improve the mixing process of graphene enhanced cement. It is expected that the first product of graphene enhanced cement can be matured in 2-3 years.