Effect of Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotube on Fracture Mechanical Property of Cement-Based Composite

Cementitious composites reinforced with multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWNT) (MWFRC) were prepared with surfactant dispersion, ultrasonication, and subsequently high-speed mixing process. Fracture mechanical performance of the cured MWFRC was characterized according to three-point bending method (ASTM 399). It is found that the addition of nanotubes significantly improve the flexural strength, the stress-intensity factor of the nanocomosites with dispersed MWNT fiber, the maximal enhancement amplitude is near to 45%, 80% with respect to the baseline, respectively. The superior fiber bridging capability of the dispersed MWNTs upon the micro-cracks contributes to the reinforcement to cement matrix.