The effect of nano graphene oxide sheets on the dispersion of nano silica particles and its influence on the mechanical properties of mortars

In this study the sedimentation of nano silica (NS) on graphene oxide (GO) sheets using tetra Ortho silicate (TEOS) hydrolysis in water/alcohol solution and its performance in cement mortar has been investigated. First, the possible interaction between nanoparticles using UV-Vis spectroscopy and electron microscopy (TEM) spectrum is examined. Then, the mechanical properties of the composite material consisting of nano silica and graphene oxide (NS&GO) production was investigated by the Molecular Dynamics Simulation method. The application of nanoparticles on mechanical properties of mortars with and without natural pozzolans has been studied in both individual and composite forms. The dispersion of NS particles on GO sheets can be seen using TEM images through chemical pretreatment and without using surfactants. The results obtained from Molecular Dynamics Simulation indicate a 75% increase in the amount of tolerable stress and a 250% increase in the Young’s modulus of the composite material relative to single NS particles. The 28 days compressive and tensile strength of mortars containing composite nano materials also increased by 31% and 100%, respectively, compared to the control design. Proper dispersion and distribution of nanoparticles, nano silica nucleation property, graphene oxide stepping properties and high zeolite pozzolanic activity have improved the mechanical properties of mortars.