Cement is the most widely used material on Earth by weight and serves as a primary component of any concrete mix.
In its most common form, Portland cement, the production of 1 tonne releases 1.25 t of CO2 into the atmosphere.
Using effective mineral additives to increase basic strength presents a clear opportunity to reduce the amount of cement needed in the concrete mixes and, consequently, CO2 emissions during cement production.
GS manufactures a concrete modifier in the form of graphene platelets with transverse dimensions up to 50 microns, produced on an industrial scale. The GS modifier is available as either a dry powder or a water-based paste, both of which must be mixed with cement before incorporation into concrete mixtures.
GS uses only water and natural graphite in the production of graphene materials, which makes the production process completely eco-friendly and cost-efficient.
A key advantage of the GS production process is the ability to use natural graphite with a carbon content of only 94-95%, which significantly reduces the cost of graphene production.
WATER PENETRATION TEST
Water permeability test determines the resistance of concrete against the penetration of water under water pressure. Permeability of concrete is important as it affects concrete durability and it's crucial when concrete is used for water retaining structure.
Permeability plays a critical role in concrete durability. High permeability allows for the ingress of water and harmful chemicals, which can accelerate the deterioration of the concrete and corrosion of the supporting rebar. Therefore, assessing a concrete mix’s permeability provides valuable insights into its overall durability.
The incorporation of the GS modifier can significantly reduce the depth of water penetration into concrete by 53.3% and thereby increase the durability and performance of concrete.
WATER ABSORPTION TEST
Absorption testing measures the amount of water that penetrates concrete samples through capillary suction when the concrete is submerged.
A lower absorption rate indicates better watertightness, which is essential for the longevity and reliability of concrete structures exposed to moisture and water.
The primary purpose of the water absorption test is to determine how quickly hydraulic cement concrete absorbs water. This information is critical for evaluating the concrete’s performance and ensuring its long-term durability.
The use of the GS modifier makes it possible to improve the water resistance of concrete by 10.7% and thereby increase the durability of concrete.
Rapid Chloride Permeability Test
Corrosion of reinforcing steel due to chloride ingress is one of the most common environmental attacks that lead to the deterioration of concrete structures.
Corrosion-related damage to bridge deck overlays, parking garages, marine structures, and manufacturing plants results in millions of dollars spent annually on repairs.
The lower the value of this indicator, the higher the durability of concrete and the higher the resistance to corrosion.
The use of the GS modifier makes it possible to improve this indicator of concrete quality by 42% and thereby significantly reduce the risk of concrete destruction and subsequent expensive repairs.
ISAT Test
The ISAT measures the absorptivity of the surface and near-surface layers of concrete, which are generally of the poorest quality, thus giving a worst- case assessment of concrete durability.
The deterioration of reinforced concrete often involves movement of aggressive gases or liquids from the surrounding environment into the concrete through the near surface concrete. The process is followed by physical or chemical reactions within the internal structure of the concrete.
The addition of the GS modifier significantly enhances the impermeability of the concrete’s surface layer by 33.3%, thereby improving the durability of both concrete and reinforced concrete structures.
Chloride Migration Test
Due to very high construction costs and the socio-economic importance of civil engineering structures, the durability demand for civil engineering structures is increasing, hence pushing for longer and longer service life design.
The service life and durability of reinforced concrete structures are affected by the degradation of concrete and corrosion of reinforcement. One of the main aspects of the durability design approach is to restrict the movement of the aggressive ions into the concrete (i.e. chloride ions). Chloride-initiated corrosion is one for the major causes of early age deterioration of concrete structures.
The use of the GS modifier can significantly reduce the rate of chloride penetration into concrete by 36.6% and thereby increase the durability of reinforced concrete structures.
Compressive Strength Test
Compressive strength refers to the capacity of any material, specifically concrete, to withstand loads tending to reduce size.
Given its significance in determining the durability and stability of constructed structures, it's crucial to understand this property.
In construction, the compressive strength test of concrete stands as a fundamental benchmark, measuring the material's ability to resist axial loads. This critical examination of the compressive strength of concrete not only ensures structural integrity but also lays the foundation for durable and resilient buildings.
The production of GS concrete modifier is completely green