THE EFFECT OF MXENE AND GRAPHENE OXIDE NANOCOATINGS ON 3D PRINTED CONCRETE

Abstract

The construction industry today faces slow productivity and growth. Seeking to improve this, construction technology has emerged in recent years to provide innovative solutions in easing the construction process and providing new time-efficient operations. An up-and-coming development in technology is nanomaterials, which have the potential to provide functional and beneficial properties that are unique to the nanoscale when it is applied. Another emerging technology in the construction field is 3D printing, which also aims to decrease construction time at a lower cost and less manpower. In an attempt to combine these technologies together, concrete is targeted as an opportunity for development and improvement. This is because nanomaterials can be applied on concrete as a nanocoating, and its effect can be tested on concrete structures that have been 3D printed. MXene and Graphene Oxide are nanomaterials that have been utilized in previous research. Graphene Oxide provides a water-resistant property and its effect on concrete will be the focus of this study. This water-resistant property should potentially ensure that the concrete the nanocoating is applied to remains hydrated and loses water at a slower rate. This in turn should lead to improvements in the mechanical behaviour of concrete, such as the compressive strength. Samples were created and utilized for to test the effect of applying MXene and Graphene Oxide on concrete, of which the results presented some improvements in the compressive strength of concrete. Hence, it is likely the projected results of utilizing nanocoatings in future construction projects involving concrete would be similar.