Effect of Graphene Embedment on Fiber–Matrix Interface and Tensile Properties of FRCM Composites

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an experimental study to investigate the effects of two types of graphene, dried (DG) and hydrated graphene (HG), when enhancing the interfacial and tensile mechanical properties of fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composites. The inclusion of DG and HG could produce an improvement in the tensile strength of the FRCM composites by increasing the tensile strength of the mortar paste and the amount of fibers that participate in load bearing due to the increased penetration of mortar (cement hydrates) into the fiber bundle. The better dispersion of HG produces better results than DG. The maximum increases in the overall tensile strengths of the FRCM composites with DG and HG are 18% and 31%, respectively, with the majority of these improvements coming from the increase in the number of fibers that participate in load bearing. The microstructure images indicate increases of up to 20% and 44% in the mortar penetration thickness into the fiber bundles using DG and HG, respectively.