Multifunctional Graphene-Concrete Composites: Performance and Mechanisms

Concrete is a cornerstone material in the construction industry owing to its versatile performance; however, its inherent brittleness, low tensile strength, and poor permeability resistance limit its broader application. Graphene, with its exceptional thermal conductivity, stable lattice structure, and high specific surface area, presents a transformative solution to these challenges. Despite its promise, comprehensive studies on the multifunctional properties and underlying mechanisms of graphene-enhanced concrete remain scarce. In this study, we developed a novel concrete composite incorporating cement, coarse sand, crushed stone, water, and graphene, systematically investigating the effects of graphene dosage and curing duration on its performance. Our results demonstrate that graphene incorporation markedly improves the material’s density, brittleness, thermal conductivity, and permeability resistance. Notably, the graphene-reinforced concrete exhibited a 44% increase in compressive strength, a 7.5% enhancement in photothermal absorption capacity, and a 200% reduction in water permeability compared to conventional concrete. Additionally, the composite showed a 5.5% decrease in maximum heat release and a 13% increase in heat storage capacity. These findings underscore the significant potential of graphene-reinforced concrete for advanced construction applications, offering superior mechanical strength, thermal regulation, and durability.