Influence of super plasticizer and Ca(OH)2 on the stability of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes dispersions for cement composites applications

Abstract This work studies the effect of superplasticizer and Ca(OH) 2 on the stability of OH functionalized multi walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/water dispersions produced via sonication. Dispersion of the MWCNT/water/superplasticizer dispersions was quantified using UV–Vis spectroscopy, the damage induced on the MWCNT was identified using RAMAN spectroscopy and the effect of Ca(OH) 2 stability of the dispersions was identified using Zeta potential and FTIR spectroscopy. It was found that Ca(OH) 2 affects the stability of MWCNT dispersions due to its interaction with negative charges of the OH functional groups, which hinders the electrostatic repulsion between MWCNT and superplasticizer molecules, generating re-agglomeration of the MWCNT.

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