About Graphene
A single layer of carbon atoms — and a step change for industry
Graphene is an extraordinary material consisting of a single layer of carbon atoms organised in a two-dimensional lattice. Renowned for its unparalleled strength, electrical conductivity and thermal properties, graphene holds the potential to transform multiple industries, including electronics, energy and materials science. As research progresses, the applications for graphene continue to expand, presenting numerous opportunities for advancement.
Mechanical Properties
Graphene's addition to concrete can significantly improve its mechanical properties, such as compressive and tensile strength. Researchers have reported improvements of up to 40% in compressive strength and 50% in tensile strength when incorporating graphene oxide (GO) or reduced graphene oxide (rGO) into the cementitious matrix. This enhancement can be attributed to the strong bonding between graphene and cement hydration products, as well as the effective transfer of stress across the graphene–cement interface.
Pan et al., 2018
Durability
Incorporating graphene into concrete has been shown to increase its durability, including resistance to chloride ion penetration and sulfate attack. Graphene's impermeable nature and high specific surface area create a barrier against the ingress of aggressive ions, thereby reducing corrosion of reinforcing steel and increasing the concrete's lifespan.
Lv et al., 2018
Self-Sensing Capabilities
The electrical conductivity of graphene has been exploited to develop self-sensing concrete, which can detect stress and strain variations in real time. Embedding graphene-based sensors into concrete structures allows for real-time monitoring of the structure's health, early identification of damage and prompt remedial action.
Han et al., 2019
