High-performance heavyweight concrete containing carbon modifier

Reducing the consumption of cement in the production of concrete mixtures has been a topical issue in the construction industry. The study aims to optimise the structure of concrete stone by selecting the particle size distribution of the components to nanoscale values. Such microfillers include silica fume, metakaolin, ashes, nanographite/graphene, etc. Thus, producing additives of complex action having a plasticising ability, as well as containing finely dispersed fillers forming binding material, is promising. Expandable graphite was dispersed in an aqueous medium and subjected to ultrasonic treatment using an ultrasonic bath with an 80 W generator. The particle size distribution in the graphite-containing suspension was studied using a laser diffraction particle analyser FritschNanoTeс with a wet dispersion system (measuring range of 0.01 to 2100 μm). Microscopic examination was carried out using a scanning electron microscope TESCAN Mira 3 with a magnification range of up to 1,000,000 times. In the present work, the physical-mechanical properties of heavy-weight concrete containing modified oxidised expandable graphite were investigated. The results of microscopy and particle size distribution analysis of the graphite-containing suspension are presented. The research indicates the efficiency of ultrasonic treatment of a graphite-containing suspension and its effect on the strength characteristics of concrete. The presented results demonstrate the potential of ultrasonic treatment for additional disintegration of graphite particles in a graphite-containing suspension improving the physical and mechanical characteristics of a concrete stone by adding this suspension to its composition.

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