Physics

Kinetics

Cementitious

Optics

Matrix (chemical analysis)

Surface modification

Engineering

Composite material

Dispersion (optics)

Materials science

Cement

Quantum mechanics

Chemical engineering

Carbon nanotube

Fibers

Acid treatment is commonly used to improve the dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNT) in a cementitious matrix, but it causes undesired delay on cement hydration kinetics. This work reports a combined CNT functionalization method with H2SO4/HNO3 and Ca(OH)2 for addition in a cementitious matrix. Results showed that the Ca(OH)2 exposure neutralized the active sites generated by acid exposure, compensating the delay in hydration. As a result, CNT exposed to H2SO4/HNO3 for 9 h and further Ca(OH)2 treatment led to equivalent hydration kinetics than un-treated CNT did with improved stability.

Combined Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) Fibers with H2SO4/HNO3 and Ca(OH)2 for Addition in Cementitious Matrix