Dispersion of graphene nanoplatelets in water with surfactant and reinforcement of mortar with graphene nanoplatelets
Wotring, Erik
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/72809
Description
Title
Dispersion of graphene nanoplatelets in water with surfactant and reinforcement of mortar with graphene nanoplatelets
Author(s)
Wotring, Erik
Issue Date
2015-01-21
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Mondal, Paramita
Department of Study
Civil & Environmental Eng
Discipline
Civil Engineering
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
M.S.
Degree Level
Thesis
Keyword(s)
graphene
nanoplatelet
water reducing admixture
superplasticizer
mortar
two parameter fracture model
dynamix light scattering (DLS)
ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis)
scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
sedimentation
point of zero charge (PZC)
Abstract
This research investigated the dispersion behavior of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in water with water reducing admixture (WRA), a type of surfactant. The dosage of GNPs was fixed at 0.2wt% of water, and the dosage of the WRA functioned as the controlled variable. Sedimentation experiments qualitatively characterized the stability of the dispersion. The team characterized the time evolution of particle size with dynamic light scattering (DLS). Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) measured the time evolution of the opacity of the suspension. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) gave a qualitative set of micrographs of the particles taken out of the suspension. The team characterized the surface forces with point of zero charge (PZC) experiments. This research has the potential to improve the future application of GNPs to composite materials. The author also carried out mechanical testing. Notched beams were prepared and tested in three-point bending. The data were then analyzed in keeping with the two-parameter fracture model. The mechanical results were inconclusive, but they suggested a path forward to continued research.
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