Graphene oxide impact on hardened cement expressed in enhanced freeze-thaw resistance

Graphene oxide (GO) is a newly invented material with extraordinary properties. This paper presents the effect of graphene oxide addition on freeze-thaw resistance in hardened cement. GO is incorporated in the cementitious matrix in ratios of 0.01, 0.03, and 0.06% by weight of cement. Freeze-thaw cycle tests show a weight loss of approximately 0.8% after 540 cycles in the control mix compared to approximately 0.25% in 0.06% GO mix. Several tests were conducted to investigate the reasons behind this result. The tests included nitrogen and water adsorption, air content, and compressive strength. The results showed that GO mixes have finer pore structure than the control mix. Moreover, the results indicated that GO addition increases air content in the mix and shows high compressive strength compared to the control mix. The enhancement of freeze-thaw resistance due to GO addition can be because of the modification of pore structure where water hardly freezes in small pores. Also, the resistance of nanocracks propagations can limit the development of frost damages, in addition to the entraining air in the mix by GO addition that creates room to release osmotic pressure.