ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PARAMETERS FOR MODIFYING CONCRETE WITH CARBON NANOTUBES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/2415-8151.2025.37.14Keywords:
modified concrete, carbon nanotubes, compressive strength, tensile strength, dispersion, CNT concentration, superplasticizer, nanotechnology in construction, nano-reinforcement, crack resistance, durabilityAbstract
Purpose. The purpose of this work is a comprehensive analysis and systematization of scientific data on the influence of key parameters of modifying heavyweight structural concrete with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on its mechanical characteristics. The work aims to summarize previous research on this issue and identify key patterns for the most common type of concrete in construction. Methodology. The research is based on methods of theoretical analysis and generalization of the results of 22 experimental works. The influence of parameters such as the type, form, and geometric dimensions of CNTs, their concentration in the cement matrix, dispersion methods, as well as the effect of the water-cement ratio and chemical additives on the effectiveness of the modification, were analyzed. Results. It has been established that the effectiveness of modification is a multifactorial process. An analysis of the results of testing batches of modified concrete samples for compression and tension was performed. It was determined that the optimal concentration of CNTs, from the point of view of mechanical properties, is in the range of 0.05–0.15% by weight of cement, while exceeding it can lead to nanoparticle agglomeration and a decrease in strength. It is confirmed that the use of ultrasonic treatment in combination with polycarboxylate superplasticizers is one of the most effective methods for achieving uniform distribution of CNTs. It was determined that short (< 10 μm) and long (≥ 10 μm) nanotubes have different effects on strength: long ones can be more effective for compressive strength, while short ones are for tensile strength. Scientific novelty. Unlike existing reviews that analyze the impact of nanotube modification on various types of cementitious composites, the scientific novelty of this work lies in the targeted analysis and systematization of data exclusively for heavyweight structural concrete. This focused approach allowed for the identification of patterns specific to this material, clarification of the optimal concentration ranges for CNTs, and establishment of a hierarchy of influencing key parameters. Practical relevance. The results of the work are useful for research in the field of building materials science. They allow for the optimization of concrete composition to obtain improved characteristics and avoid the use of knowingly ineffective solutions, which contributes to the development of more reliable and durable building materials.
References
Ahmed I., Khitab A., Ahmed S. Effect of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes on Mechanical Behavior of Concrete. 6th Annual International Conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering (ACE 2018). GSTF, 2018. P. 427–431. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.17515/resm2024.86ma1119rs
Bhaskar A.V., Shanmugasundaram M. The Optimum Dosage of the Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes for Improving the Mechanical Properties of Concrete. International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering (IJRTE). 2019. Vol. 7, no. 6. P. 591–598.
Bodnarova L., Jarolim T. Study the effect of carbon nanoparticles in concrete. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. 2018. Vol. 385. 012006. URL: https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/385/1/012006
Bogas J.A., Ahmed H.H., Diniz T. Influence of Cracking on the Durability of Reinforced Concrete with Carbon Nanotubes. Applied Sciences. 2021. Vol. 11, no. 4. 1672. URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/app11041672
Carriço A., Bogas J.A., Hawreen A. Durability of multi-walled carbon nanotube reinforced concrete. Construction and Building Materials. 2018. Vol. 164. P. 121–133. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.12.221.
Hassan A., Elkady H., Shaaban I.G. Effect of adding carbon nanotubes on corrosion rates and steelconcrete bond. Scientific reports. 2019. Vol. 9, no. 1. 6285. URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-42761-2
Hawreen A., Bogas J.A., Kurda R. Mechanical characterization of concrete reinforced with different types of carbon nanotubes. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering. 2019. Vol. 44, no. 10. P. 8361–8376. URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-019-04096-y
Irshidat M.R. Bond strength evaluation between steel rebars and carbon nanotubes modified concrete. Case Studies in Construction Materials. 2021. Vol. 14. e00477. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2020.e00477
Khitab A., Ahmad S., Khushnood R.A. Fracture toughness and failure mechanism of high performance concrete incorporating carbon nanotubes. Frattura ed Integrità Strutturale. 2017. Vol. 42. P. 238–248. URL: https://doi.org/10.3221/IGF-ESIS.42.26
Lu S., Zuo T., Wang Z. Effects of CNTs/PVA on Concrete Performance: Strength, Drying Shrinkage, and Microstructure. Materials. 2025. Vol. 18, no. 11. 2535. URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112535
Madhavi T.C., Pavithra P., Singh S.B. Effect of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes On Mechanical Properties of Concrete. International Journal of Scientific Research. 2013. Vol. 2, no. 6. P. 166–168. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.15373/22778179/JUNE2013/53
Mohammadyan-Yasouj S.E., Ghaderi A. Experimental investigation of waste glass powder, basalt fibre, and carbon nanotube on the mechanical properties of concrete. Construction and Building Materials. 2020. Vol. 252. 119115. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.119115
Mohsen M.O., Alansari M., Taha R. Impact of CNTs’ treatment, length and weight fraction on ordinary concrete mechanical properties. Construction and Building Materials. 2020. Vol. 264. 120698. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.120698
Mudasir P., Naqash J.A. Relationship between Water Cement Ratio and Characteristic Properties of Multi Walled Carbon Nano Tube Reinforced Concrete. International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering (IJRTE). 2020. Vol. 8, no. 6. P. 333–339. URL: https://doi.org/10.35940/ijrte.F7472.038620
Pachideh G., Gholhaki M., Moshtaghi S.M. An Investigation on the Effect of High Temperatures on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Concrete Containing Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes. Materials Performance and Characterization. 2018. Vol. 7, no. 5. P. 896–912. URL: https://doi.org/10.1520/MPC20180061
Qissab M.A., Abbas S.T. Effect of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes on Mechanical Properties of Concrete. Al-Nahrain University, College of Engineering Journal (NUCEJ). 2016. Vol. 19, no. 2. P. 194–201.
Ramezani M., Kim Y.H., Sun Z. Mechanical properties of carbon-nanotube-reinforced cementitious materials: database and statistical analysis. Magazine of Concrete Research. 2019. Vol. 72, no. 15. P. 786–809. URL: https://doi.org/10.1680/jmacr.19.00093
Rashmi R., Padmapriya R. Mechanical and durability characteristics of multiwalled carbon nano tube in concrete. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. 2020. Vol. 872. 012110. URL: https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/872/1/012110
Reis E.D., Gatuingt F., Poggiali F.S. J. Influence of carbon nanotubes and cement reduction on the bond strength of steel bars in concrete: An experimental investigation. Construction and Building Materials. 2025. Vol. 461. 139940. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.139940
Reis E.D., Borges L.A., Camargos J.S.F. A systematic review on the engineering properties of concrete with carbon nanotubes. Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering. 2023. Vol. 45, no. 8. 411. URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40430-023-04117-w
Reis E.D., Resende H.F., Christoforo A.L. Assessment of physical and mechanical properties of concrete with carbon nanotubes pre-dispersed in cement. Journal of Building Engineering. 2024. Vol. 89. 109255. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2024.109255
Shi X., Liu X. Bond behavior of steel rebar in concrete modified by GO-MWCNTs composite. Journal of Building Engineering. 2022. Vol. 57. 104886. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2022.104886
Suchorzewski J., Prieto M., Mueller U. An experimental study of self-sensing concrete enhanced with multi-wall carbon nanotubes in wedge splitting test and DIC. Construction and Building Materials. 2020. Vol. 262. 120871. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.120871
Sun X. Enhancement of the piezoresistive and mechanical properties of cement-based composites filled with CNTs/GO and nano-SiO2 sprayed steel fibers. Construction and Building Materials. 2024. Vol. 385. 131463. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.131463
Taha A., Alnahhal W., Irshidat M. Effect of carbon nanotubes on the bonding mechanism of non-corrosive reinforcements to concrete. Structures. 2024. Vol. 60. 105952. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.istruc.2024.105952
Vijayabhaskar A., Shanmugasundaram M. Mechanical and Durability Properties of Concrete with Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes. International Journal of Engineering & Technology. 2018. Vol. 7, no. 3.2. P. 350–353.
Yang K. Enhanced performance and mechanisms of cement-based composites with CNTs and nano-silica under sulfate attack. Journal of Building Engineering. 2024. Vol. 84. 108428. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2024.108428











