What Is the Application of Reduced Graphene Oxide in Concrete?

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) has attracted significant attention in the scientific community for its unique properties and potential. As an influential nanomaterial, its power depends on its qualities, like protecting, strengthening, and enhancing materials' performance for everyday use.

Additionally, rGO offers a rare combination of ultra-high strength, conductivity, and chemical stability, reshaping everything from construction to electronics. In this blog, we discuss the best applications of rGO in concrete.

What is Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO)?

Reduced graphene oxide is produced by treating graphene oxide (GO) so that some of its oxygen groups are removed. Even though it doesn't revert to its pristine, flawless graphene, the material retains some of graphene's exceptional qualities.

Furthermore, you can think of rGO as a material that sits between GO and pure graphene. rGO has some of the qualities of pure graphene; however, it's still more conductive than GO. Despite this, rGO is well-suited to many modern technologies because it retains some of GO's useful chemical properties.

Why is rGO important in Cement?

The construction industry is transforming rapidly, and the Advanced Graphene Series is shaping high-performance infrastructure. Among the graphene-based materials, rGO stands out because it offers a powerful balance of cost and performance. The integration of rGO into concrete enables the construction of smarter, stronger structures for bridges, concrete slabs, and other projects.

Synthesis Methods of Reduced Graphene Oxide

The production of rGO starts from a material rich in oxygen functional groups. Several reduction methods are used by experts to partially convert GO into rGO.

Chemical Reduction

Chemical reduction involves treating graphene oxide with chemical agents that remove oxygen-containing groups. Experts use methods such as hydrazine hydrate, sodium borohydride (NaBH4), and ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

1. Hydrazine hydrate: One of the most effective reducing agents used to restore electrical conductivity to rGO.
2. Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C): A sustainable alternative that provides a moderate reduction in an environmentally friendly way.
3. Sodium borohydride (NaBH4): Provides milder reduction conditions and preserves the structural integrity of rGO.

Read Also: What Are the Applications of Reduced Graphene Oxide?

Thermal Reduction

This method involves heating graphene to around 1000°C while a protective gas (such as argon, hydrogen, or nitrogen) is present. The oxygen groups are essentially "burned off," and the carbon structure reforms.

This method creates rGO with high conductivity and minimal residual oxygen. However, it requires high-temperature equipment and is energy-intensive, making it a more expensive option.

Electrochemical Reduction

An electrical current is applied to GO dispersed in an electrolyte solution. The current removes oxygen-containing groups, allowing for precise control over the reduction process.

How to Mix Graphene into Concrete?

Combining graphene with concrete requires proper procedures to prevent issues like uneven dispersion (clumping).

GO and rGO tend to clump due to hydrophobicity. Researchers mix them with water or a superplasticizer using high-speed vibration tools, high-shear mixers, or ultrasonication to ensure an even spread.

Once mixed into a smooth liquid, it is added to the mixing water before the cement aggregates. This helps the graphene attach to the cement and reinforce the structure as it hardens. Graphene also speeds up the early stages of hardening by promoting cement nucleation.

How Much Oxide to Add to Concrete?

According to the Graphene Council, adding just 0.03% by weight of graphene powder to cement can lead to an average 25% increase in durability.

• Standard Projects: 0.02% to 0.1% graphene by cement weight (approx. 0.2 to 1 kg per ton).
• Harsh Environments: 0.02% to 0.1% nanosheets have improved strength by 10-20% and reduced water/chloride absorption.

Why is Graphene Used in Construction?

Graphene makes concrete more resistant to:

1. Corrosion
2. Thermal damage
3. Cracking

Key benefits for high-rise buildings, highways, and marine structures include:

• Improved water resistance and permeability.
• Enhanced flexibility and durability.
• Reduced setting time and shrinkage.
• Lower carbon footprint.

Application of rGO in Concrete

Enhanced Mechanical Strength

rGO acts as a bridge across microcracks and provides nucleation sites for cement hydration. This strengthens the bond between cement and aggregates, resulting in a more durable microstructure.

Smart Concrete for Self-Sensing

The electrical conductivity of rGO allows for "smart" concrete. The material can monitor its own structural health because its electrical resistivity changes under stress or damage, acting as an embedded sensor.

Electrical Conductive Concrete for Snow Melting

rGO allows concrete to be electrically heated. This is ideal for cold climates, where the pavement itself can melt snow without the need for external chemicals or salts.

Improved Durability and Environmental Remediation

rGO densifies the cement matrix, making it less permeable to acids and chlorides. Additionally, its large surface area allows it to bind heavy metals, acting as a natural cleaning agent to remove pollutants.

Essence of The Writeup

The above write-up explains the application of rGO in the concrete and concussion projects. The unique ability of durability, strength, sustainability, and conductivity makes rGO one of the promising materials of the graphene series.

Moreover, graphene-infused concrete ensures longevity and durable infrastructure. Beyond this, companies producing concrete slabs, marine concrete, ultra-high-performance concrete, and ultra-high-strength concrete all use graphene to address the unique challenges of concrete engineering.  

So, choose the best graphene oxide suppliers to obtain high-quality, pristine materials. ACS Material offers the best graphene series to meet lab and industrial demands. Follow us on X (Twitter) & Facebook to stay updated on the latest news.

FAQ

What is the major use of GO in Concrete?

The major use of GO in concrete is to enhance the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of the concrete.

What are the major applications of rGO?

Reduced graphene oxide is used in industries requiring high surface area and conductivity, effectively bridging the gap between pure graphene and GO.

What are the effects of graphene oxide on high-temperature performance?

GO increases heat resistance, reduces cracking, and helps maintain higher residual compressive strength after exposure to high temperatures compared to plain concrete.

What is the appropriate proportion of graphene oxide in a cement mixture?

The appropriate proportion is typically between 0.03% and 0.06% by weight, though some studies suggest 0.5% as the optimal dosage for maximum mechanical strength.

What is the use of graphene oxide in concrete?

Graphene oxide is used to significantly improve the mechanical properties, flexural strength, and overall durability of concrete structures.