Carbon nanomaterials enhanced cement-based composites: advances and challenges

Carbon nanomaterials, predominantly carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphene nanoplates, graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide, possess superior chemical, physical and mechanical properties. They have been successfully introduced into ordinary Portland cement to give enhancements in terms of mechanical properties, durability and electrical/thermal conductivity, and to modify the functional properties, converting conventional cement-based materials into stronger, smarter and more durable composites. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the properties of carbon nanomaterials, current developments and novel techniques in carbon nanomaterials enhanced cement-based composites (CN-CBCs). Further study of the applications of CN-CBCs at industrial scale is also discussed.