The Impact of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes on the Mechanical Properties of Glass Fiber–Reinforced Concrete

This research explores the innovative combination of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and glass fibers (GFs) to improve the mechanical performance of concrete. MWCNTs were dispersed in water using sonication and added at three different concentrations (0.05%, 0.10%, and 0.15% by weight of cement). Each MWCNT dosage was paired with varying amounts of glass fibers (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% by weight of the mixture). Compressive, flexural, and split tensile strengths were evaluated at various ages. The results indicated that the optimal combination achieved a remarkable 28% increase in compressive strength, 20% increase in flexural strength, and 23% increase in split tensile strength. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to gain in-depth insights into the dispersion of MWCNTs and the distribution of fibers across various concrete samples. This enabled an assessment of the effectiveness of MWCNTs and different GF proportions in mitigating cracks at both nano and micro levels. This research contributes to enhancing the field of advanced construction materials by offering valuable insights into the practical implementation of innovative materials for developing structurally superior and environmentally friendly concrete.