Effect of admixing graphene oxide on abrasion resistance of ordinary portland cement concrete

Tribology, as a classical physical science, plays a key role in the understanding of long-term performance of pavements, especially that of hydraulic cement concrete pavement. Recent studies have indicated that graphene oxide (GO) can be used as a promising nano-sized additive to improve the mechanical properties and durability performances of cement composites. However, the effects of admixing GO on the tribological properties of ordinary portland cement (OPC) concrete and related mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we tested the compressive strength and scratch properties of OPC mixtures to investigate their possible correlations with the abrasion resistance. Results reveal that the addition of GO (up to 0.1% by weight of cement) can increase the compressive strength at the macro level and scratch depth at the micro level, both of which could be related to the abrasion resistance of OPC concrete. XRD and SEM/EDS analyses were also conducted to help explain the beneficial effects of GO in OPC concrete. The mechanisms underlying the improved performance are mainly through accelerated hydration of cement and nano-reinforcements induced by the admixed GO. GO can provide nucleation sites for hydration, which facilitates the consumption of cement clinker and production of hydration products. This work helps achieve a mechanistic understanding of the tribology of concrete containing GO, at both macro and micro levels.