Graphene oxide for stronger, ‘smarter’ concrete

Could a stronger concrete that can carry an electrical current be a gamechanger for 3D printing?

Spotted: Early detection of cracks in concrete is vital for preventing building damage and collapse. Current methods for doing this include the use of ultrasonic or acoustic sensors to detect the position of cracks. However, these are best at detecting large cracks, while detecting smaller fractures early is still a challenge. Now, new research from a team at RMIT University could help concrete detect cracks itself.

The team, led by Dr. Jonathan Tran, has found that the addition of graphene oxide, a nanomaterial commonly used in batteries and electronic gadgets, not only increased the strength of the concrete by up to 10 per cent, but also allowed it to conduct electricity.  

The work holds promise in making 3D-printed concrete more practical for use in construction. This is because adding graphene oxide makes the concrete easier to extrude. It also creates better inter-layer bonding during 3D printing and maximises strength.

The researchers found the functional groups containing oxygen on the surface of the graphene oxide act like sticky spots that can help create stronger bonds with materials like cement. The graphene’s ability to conduct electricity could also allow the creation of ‘smart cement’, which could potentially warn users of the development of small cracks.

3D printing is being used in an increasingly wide array of industries. Recent innovations spotted by Springwise include personalised, printed skincare supplements and customisable, 3D-printed shoes.

Written By: Lisa Magloff