Fascinating Improvement in Mechanical Properties of Cement Mortar Using Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes and Ferrite Nanoparticles
The Mn-Ferrite nanoparticles were prepared using citrate nitrate auto combustion method. The Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and MnFe2O4 nanoparticles were characterized by BET to measure the surface area. XRD data of MnFe2O4 nanoparticles clarified that the sample was formed in single phase spinel structure without any extra peaks indicating any secondary phase. The High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) micrograph of MnFe2O4 nanoparticles indicated that the particles are in an agglomerated state due to the absence of surfactant and high magnetic properties of Mn-Ferrite nanoparticles. Also, HRTEM micrograph showed that the walls of MWCNTs are straight having high crystallinity without any kinks. The mechanical properties were measured at different ratios of MWCNTs and nano-ferrite to cement. The obtained values indicated that the addition of MWCNTs and nano-ferrite increase the compressive and flexural strength of cement mortar and decrease the total intrusion volume.
