Nano-Engineered Geopolymer Concrete Incorporating Graphene, Nano-Silica, and Self-Healing Agents for Ultra-Durable Structures

https://doi.org/10.46610/JoRAIS.2026.v011i02.004

Abstract

In this study, an experimental study was conducted to examine the mechanical properties, durability, and non-destructive assessment of nano-engineered M25-grade geopolymer concrete incorporating graphene nanoplatelets, nano-silica, and self-healing agents to develop ultra-durable and sustainable materials. For this purpose, 20 geopolymer concrete mixes were produced with a fixed fly ash/GGBS binder ratio (60:40), with varying nano-silica (0–4%), graphene (0–0.10%), and self-healing agents (0–2%). The experimental testing included compressive strength, flexural strength, rebound hammer test, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), water absorption, sorptivity, acid resistance, sulphate resistance, and rapid chloride penetration test. The optimum mix (M16), having 2.0% nano-silica, 0.07% graphene, and 1.5% self-healing agent, showed the highest compressive strength of 42.6 MPa and flexural strength of 5.34 MPa, which were increased by 49.47% and 54.34%, respectively, compared to the control mix. Mix M16 had the maximum rebound number, i.e., 45 and ultrasonic pulse velocity of 4.36 km/s, signifying the good quality of concrete along with remarkable improvement in durability, such as water absorption 42.2% less, sorptivity 48.7% less, acid-induced strength loss 59.5% less, sulphate-induced strength loss 59.1% less, and chloride ion permeability decreased by 52.4%.