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The fabrication of high-performance cement-based materials has benefited greatly from the extensive use of graphene and its derivatives. This paper studies the effects of graphene sulfonate nanosheets (GSNSs) on sacrificial cement paste and mortar (the tested materials) and other siliceous sacrificial materials, especially their ablation behaviors and mechanical properties. Decomposition temperatures and differential scanning calorimetry were used to examine how different contents of GSNSs determines the corresponding decomposition enthalpy of the tested materials and their ablation behaviors. Molecular dynamics was also used to clarify the mechanism how the GSNSs work in the CSH (calcium silicate hydrated)/GSNSs composite to increase the resistance to high temperature. The experimental results show that: (1) the contents of GSNSs at 0.03 wt.%, 0.1 wt.%, and 0.3 wt.% brought an increase of 10.97%, 22.21%, and 17.56%, respectively, in the flexural strength of siliceous sacrificial mortar, and an increase of 1.92%, 9.16%, and 6.70% in its compressive strength, (2) the porosity of siliceous sacrificial mortar was decreased by 5.04%, 9.91%, and 7.13%, respectively, and the threshold pore diameter of siliceous sacrificial mortar was decreased by 13.06%, 35.39%, and 24.02%, when the contents of GSNSs were 0.03 wt.%, 0.1 wt.%, and 0.3 wt.%, respectively, (3) a decline of 11.16%, 28.50%, and 61.01% was found in the ablation velocity of siliceous sacrificial mortar, when the contents of GSNSs were 0.03 wt.%, 0.1 wt.%, and 0.3 wt.%, respectively, (4) when considering the ablation velocities and mechanical properties of siliceous sacrificial materials, 0.1 wt.% GSNSs was considered to be the optimal amount, (5) the GSNSs contribute to the reinforced effect of GSNSs on CSH gel through the grab of dissociated calcium and water molecules, and the chemical reaction with silicate tetrahedron to produce S&ndash, O&ndash, Si bonds. These results are expected to promoting the development of new kinds of siliceous sacrificial materials that contain GSNSs.

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) has been used as an advanced construction material in civil engineering because of its excellent mechanical properties and durability. However, with the depletion of the raw material (river sand) used for preparing UHPC, it is imperative to find a replacement material. Recycled sand is an alternative raw material for preparing UHPC, but it degrades the performance. In this study, we investigated the use of graphene oxide (GO) as an additive for enhancing the properties of UHPC prepared from recycled sand. The primary objective was to investigate the effects of GO on the mechanical properties and durability of the UHPC at different concentrations. Additionally, the impact of the GO additive on the microstructure of the UHPC prepared from recycled sand was analysed at different mixing concentrations. The addition of GO resulted in the following: (1) The porosity of the UHPC prepared from recycled sand was reduced by 4.45&ndash, 11.35%, (2) the compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, and elastic modulus of the UHPC prepared from recycled sand were enhanced by 8.24&ndash, 16.83%, 11.26&ndash, 26.62%, 15.63&ndash, 29.54%, and 5.84&ndash, 12.25%, respectively, (3) the resistance of the UHPC to penetration of chloride ions increased, and the freeze&ndash, thaw resistance improved, (4) the optimum mixing concentration of GO in the UHPC was determined to be 0.05 wt.%, according to a comprehensive analysis of its effects on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and durability of the UHPC. The findings of this study provide important guidance for the utilisation of recycled sand resources.

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) has received increasing attention in recent years due to its remarkable ductility, durability, and mechanical properties. However, the manufacture of UHPC can cause serious environmental issues. This work addresses the feasibility of using aeolian sand to produce UHPC, and the mix design, environmental impact, and mechanical characterization of UHPC are investigated. We designed the mix proportions of the UHPC according to the modified Andreasen and Andersen particle packing model. We studied the workability, microstructure, porosity, mechanical performance, and environmental impact of UHPC with three different water/binder ratios. The following findings were noted: (1) the compressive strength, flexural strength, and Young&rsquo, s modulus of the designed UHPC samples were in the ranges of 163.9&ndash, 207.0 MPa, 18.0&ndash, 32.2 MPa, and 49.3&ndash, 58.9 GPa, respectively, (2) the compressive strength, flexural strength, and Young&rsquo, s modulus of the UHPC increased with a decrease in water/binder ratio and an increase in the steel fibre content, (3) the compressive strength&ndash, Young&rsquo, s modulus correlation of the UHPC could be described by an exponential formula, (4) the environmental impact of UHPC can be improved by decreasing its water/binder ratio. These findings suggest that it is possible to use aeolian sand to manufacture UHPC, and this study promotes the application of aeolian sand for this purpose.