Is Cement Paste Modified with Carbon Nanomaterials Capable of Self-Repair after a Fire?

Abstract

This manuscript presents preliminary results on the cement paste potential, with and without carbon nanomaterials, to heal high-temperature cracks. Cement paste beams were subjected to thermal loading of 200°C and 400°C after 28 days of water curing. High temperature caused the formation of microcrack networks on the specimen’s surface. Self-healing was achieved by exposing the cracked samples to cyclic water immersion. The efficiency of the process was evaluated based on the crack closure and mechanical properties recovery after 24 days. The results indicated a distinct dependence of the healing on the loading temperature. Carbon nanotubes had a positive effect on self-repair efficiency.

Keywords

• self-healing
• cement paste
• nanomaterials
• multi-wall carbon nanotubes
• high temperature
• microcracking
• image analysis