Influence of modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the mechanical behavior and toughening mechanism of an environmentally friendly granulated blast furnace slag-based geopolymer matrix

This study aimed to investigate the mechanical behavior of an environmentally friendly granulated blast furnace slag-based geopolymer matrix reinforced with modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The modified MWCNTs were obtained using a modification method combining nitric acid and sulfuric acid and were then dispersed using sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) as a dispersant. Two types and three concentrations of MWCNTs were mixed directly into the aqueous solution, sonicated, and then mechanically mixed with waste granulated blast furnace slag to form the geopolymer matrix. Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy were used to evaluate the ordered structure and crystallization degree of the modified MWCNTs. Then, the dispersity of the modified MWCNTs was characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The compressive and bending strengths were measured to evaluate the mechanical behavior of specimens. Moreover, the polycondensation products, polycondensation degree, pore structure, and microscopic morphology of the geopolymer matrix were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), FT-IR spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDS). The experimental results showed that the incorporation of 0.1% functionalized MWCNTs had an optimal influence on the fluidity and mechanical behavior. The slump diameters of geopolymers with 0.1% functionalized MWCNTs with and without SDS were increased by 16.3% and 23.5%, respectively, compared with the reference geopolymer matrix. For geopolymer matrix samples at a curing age of 28 d, the compressive strength of geopolymers with 0.1% functionalized MWCNTs with and without SDS were increased by 16.3% and 17.6%, respectively. For the bending strength, the corresponding increases were 17.6% and 18.7%, respectively. It was found that functionalized MWCNTs could increase the degree of polycondensation, leading to a more traditional amorphous N-A-S-H phase, a finer C–S–H phase, more Q⁴ (2Al) and Q⁴ (3Al), and lower porosity. In addition, the propagation of micro-cracks in the geopolymers was inhibited by the incorporation of functionalized MWCNTs.