# Non-covalent interface engineering of multi-layer graphene cement composites using graphene oxide

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new cement composite using graphene and graphene oxide to boost early strength and improve performance.

## Contribution

A novel MLGs/GO composite system is proposed, showing significant early strength improvement in cement through non-covalent interface engineering.

## Key findings

- The optimized MLGs/GO mixture increases 7-day compressive strength by over 58%.
- GO enhances dispersion of MLGs and promotes hydration product formation.
- Non-covalent interactions at the interface improve stress transfer in the composite.

## Abstract

To address the critical demand for early strength in modern construction, this study proposes a novel MLGs/GO (multi-layer graphene/graphene oxide) nanocomposite system to synergistically enhance the early performance of cement mortar. Experimental results demonstrate that the optimized mixture (1.0% MLGs +0.025% GO) significantly improves mechanical properties, achieving a 7-day compressive strength of 46.91 MPa—an increase of over 58% compared to mortar with MLGs alone. The incorporation of GO effectively disperses MLGs, promotes the formation of key hydration products (CH, C-S-H, and AFt), and refines the microstructure. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that GO introduces strong non-covalent interactions at the interface, replacing weak van der Waals forces and optimizing stress transfer between MLGs and the C-S-H matrix. These findings provide a clear multiscale mechanism for the synergistic enhancement and offer practical guidance for designing high-performance, early-strength cementitious materials.

•MLGs-Cement samples incorporating different cases of GO layer were prepared•The addition of GO induces the non-covalent interaction within the MLGs/CSH composite•GO and MLGs exert a synergistic effect that facilitates the hydration process of cement

MLGs-Cement samples incorporating different cases of GO layer were prepared

The addition of GO induces the non-covalent interaction within the MLGs/CSH composite

GO and MLGs exert a synergistic effect that facilitates the hydration process of cement

Applied sciences; Materials science; Nanomaterials