Dispersion of graphene nanoplatelets in water with surfactant and reinforcement of mortar with graphene nanoplatelets

This research investigated the dispersion behavior of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in water with water reducing admixture (WRA), a type of surfactant. The dosage of GNPs was fixed at 0.2wt% of water, and the dosage of the WRA functioned as the controlled variable. Sedimentation experiments qualitatively characterized the stability of the dispersion. The team characterized the time evolution of particle size with dynamic light scattering (DLS). Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) measured the time evolution of the opacity of the suspension. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) gave a qualitative set of micrographs of the particles taken out of the suspension. The team characterized the surface forces with point of zero charge (PZC) experiments. This research has the potential to improve the future application of GNPs to composite materials. The author also carried out mechanical testing. Notched beams were prepared and tested in three-point bending. The data were then analyzed in keeping with the two-parameter fracture model. The mechanical results were inconclusive, but they suggested a path forward to continued research.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Civil Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Wotring, Erik

Contributors dc:contributor

• Mondal, Paramita

• graphene
• nanoplatelet
• water reducing admixture
• superplasticizer
• mortar
• two parameter fracture model
• dynamix light scattering (DLS)
• ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis)
• scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
• sedimentation
• point of zero charge (PZC)

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2014 Erik Wotring

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/72809

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/72809