Interfacial Nano-Engineering in Concrete

Abstract:

Concrete is a composite material consisting of multiple distinct phases, featuring numerous interfaces across different scales. Consequently, interface regulation is a critical and effective strategy for enhancing concrete performance. Recently, we proposed an interface regulation method and theory based on aggregate coating design, which has been successfully applied in practical engineering. First, I will introduce a graphene oxide (GO) coating technology for aggregates, which densifies the Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ)—the weakest region in concrete. This approach enables a substantial improvement in mechanical properties with only a minimal dosage of GO. Furthermore, by utilizing this aggregate coating technology, we successfully constructed a three-dimensional (3D) conductive network within concrete, significantly enhancing the electrical conductivity and piezoresistive properties of sensors, while simultaneously improving mechanical performance. Finally, I will discuss how to extend this interfacial nano-engineering strategy to explore other performance/functional enhancements of concrete. These include electrochemical energy storage, steel fiber alignment, using carbon nanotube (CNT) sponges as novel internal curing agents, enhancing damping properties, improving Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) performance, and forming dense coatings via amino acid salts that have pre-absorbed CO₂.

Short bio:

Jing Zhong is a Professor and Ph.D. Supervisor at the School of Civil Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), where he received his Ph.D. in 2013. His primary research interests include fiber-reinforced concrete, intelligent/functional concrete, energy storage concrete, 3D printing of inorganic materials, CO₂ sequestration, and resource utilization of solid waste. He has led over 20 research projects, and he has received the First Prize of the Liaoning Provincial Natural Science Award and the Second Prize of the Heilongjiang Provincial Science and Technology Award. He invented the centrifugal casting technology for preparing ultra-dense graphene films, which has already been industrialized and commercialized into products. He has published over 100 SCI-indexed papers in prestigious journals, including Cement and Concrete Composites, Cement and Concrete Research, Construction and Building Materials, Journal of Cleaner Production, Carbon, ACS Nano, Nature Communications, and Nano Energy, et al.