Waste-based mortars containing glass powder, GGBS, lead smelter slag and foundry sand reinforced with graphene oxide

The aim of this study is to investigate the possibility of improving the mechanical properties of mortars produced with waste-based binder and sand by incorporating graphene oxide (GO) nanomaterial. Twenty-seven unique mortars were manufactured by replacing cement with glass powder (GP) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), and river sand with lead smelter slag and foundry sand. GO was added to mortars at of 0.05% and 0.1% dosages, and flow, compression and tension tests were performed on the mortars. Scanning electron microscopy analyses were carried out to evaluate the mortars' microstructure. The results show that addition of 0.05% GO caused decreased flowability and increased in strength of the waste-based mortar. Increasing GO dosage caused a further decrease in flowability and an increase in compressive and tensile strength of mortars. Strength enhancements in the mortars from 0.05% to 0.1% GO were less significant compared to those from 0% to 0.05% GO. The scanning electron microscopy analyses revealed that mortars reinforced with 0.05% and 0.1% GO exhibited a more compact microstructure with less pores compared to the unreinforced mortars, resulting in improved properties of mortars. The results indicate a significant potential using GO in waste-based mortars for developing a new and sustainable construction material for structural applications.