Carbon nanofibre/cement composites: challenges and promises as structural materials

The effect of different pre-processing treatments on the incorporation of carbon nanofibres (CNFs) in cement composites was studied. Surface treatment with nitric acid or pre-dispersion in acetone improved the dispersion of CNFs in the cement pastes. The CNFs were found as individual fibres throughout the cement pastes and as entangled networks in pockets. Though no significant change in the strength was observed, the presence of the CNFs modified the mechanical behaviour of the composite post testing.