Effect of graphene on mechanical properties of the cement paste

Graphene has a high tensile strength and ductility; it is an ideal choice of cementing reinforcement materials. The effect of graphene on the well cementation properties of the cement slurry and on the mechanical properties of the set cement is investigated by adding 0.02 wt.% of graphene to the cement slurry system. Addition of graphene reduces the slurry viscosity and exerts a minor effect on the filtration and thickening time of the cement slurry. A triaxial mechanical test shows that the elasticity modulus of cement with graphene addition increases from 5087.6 to 6983.2 MPa, the compressive strength increases by 60.98%, and the strain recovery ability of the cured cement is improved. The structural analysis of the set cement by means of scanning electron microscopy shows that the silicate crystals of the set cement with graphene are more regular, and there are only few inner pores in the set cement. Therefore, graphene offers broad application prospects of improving cementing quality.