Effect of Graphene oxide Addition on Cement-Sand Mortar

The effect of addition of graphene oxide (GO) to the cement-sand mortar on its fluidity and strength was investigated. The dosages of GO addition were varied from 0.03% to 0.06% by weight of cement. The GO was sonicated with required water for uniform mixing and added to the dry mixture of Ordinary Portland Cement and sand of proportion 1:2 (by weight). The incorporation of GO in cement- sand mortar reduced its fluidity compared to control mortar (without GO). A maximum reduction in fluidity of 32% was noted for the GO addition of 0.03%. The compressive strength of mortar was enhanced with the addition of GO (up to 0.05%). However, such enhancement was reduced with further addition of GO. The 0.05% of GO addition increased the compressive strength of mortar by 49.8%, 25.6% and 20.3% compare to that of control sample at 3 days, 7 days and 28 days respectively. The flexural strength of GO based cement sand mortar was also increased substantially compared to control mortar at 0.05% GO addition. More flake like hydration products were observed in GO based cement sand mortars by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM).