Experimental Investigation on the Impact of Graphene on Fly Ash based Portland Pozzolona Cement Concrete

Notice

This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 01 | Page :
    By

    N. Sravan Goud,

  • J. Selwyn Babu,

  • M. Uday Bhaskar,

  1. M. Tech Student, Department of Civil Engineering, Malla Reddy (MR) Deemed to be University, Secunderabad, Telangana, India
  2. Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Malla Reddy (MR) Deemed to be University, Secunderabad, Telangana, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Malla Reddy (MR) Deemed to be University, Secunderabad, Telangana, India

Abstract

This study presents a detailed investigation into the influence of incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) on the mechanical properties of cement mortar, with particular emphasis on compressive and flexural strength at various curing ages. Both organic and inorganic PCMs were utilized as partial replacements for cement at proportions of 5%, 10%, and 15% to evaluate their performance. The experimental results reveal a clear distinction in behavior between the two categories of PCMs. Inorganic PCMs, specifically HS24 and HS29, exhibited only a marginal impact on strength development, especially at replacement levels up to 10%, indicating their relative compatibility with cementitious matrices. On the other hand, organic PCMs such as OM29, PEG600, and n-BS demonstrated a significant reduction in both compressive and flexural strength across all curing periods, likely due to their interference with the hydration process and weaker bonding characteristics. Among all the mixes tested, the highest compressive strength, approximately 44 MPa, was achieved at 28 days with a 5% replacement level of HS24. Similarly, the maximum flexural strength of about 4.62 MPa was also observed at 28 days for the same mix proportion. These findings suggest that while the incorporation of inorganic PCMs can be considered viable without causing severe deterioration in mechanical properties, the use of organic PCMs may not be suitable where structural strength is a primary concern. Overall, the study highlights the potential of selective PCM integration in enhancing thermal performance while maintaining acceptable mechanical strength.

Keywords: Phase Change Materials (PCMs), Cement Mortar, Compressive Strength, Flexural Strength, Inorganic PCMs, Organic PCMs, Strength Reduction, HS24, HS29, OM29, PEG600, n-BS.

How to cite this article:
N. Sravan Goud, J. Selwyn Babu, M. Uday Bhaskar. Experimental Investigation on the Impact of Graphene on Fly Ash based Portland Pozzolona Cement Concrete. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):-.
How to cite this URL:
N. Sravan Goud, J. Selwyn Babu, M. Uday Bhaskar. Experimental Investigation on the Impact of Graphene on Fly Ash based Portland Pozzolona Cement Concrete. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=239181


References

  1. Baetens, R., Jelle, B. P., & S. H. (2010). Latent heat storage materials for building applications: A state-of-the-art review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 14(3), 318-331.
  2. Sakulich, A., & Mills, D. (2012). Performance of PCM-impregnated lightweight aggregates in bridge deck concrete. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 24(5), 641-648.
  3. Zhang, Y., & H. Y. (2011). Energy storage properties of PCM-impregnated lightweight aggregates for concrete applications. Energy and Buildings, 43(9), 2405-2413.
  4. Michał, M., & K. W. (2015). Use of Ceresin wax in expanded clay aggregates for road surface cooling. Construction and Building Materials, 93, 276-283.
  5. Patrick, R., & T. P. (2017). Energy savings through the implementation of PCM layers in sandwich panels. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 128(1), 115-124.
  6. Sukontasukku, S., & S. N. (2015). Evaluation of heat-and-pressure methods for PCM impregnation in lightweight aggregates. Cement and Concrete Composites, 59, 70-77.
  7. Cu, S. L., & W. R. (2012). Polymer-modified cement paste coatings for PCM leakage prevention in lightweight aggregates. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 124(2), 1187-1196.
  8. Sharif, F., & A. S. (2016). Stability of PCM carriers in cement mortar: Expanded shale vs. rice husk ash. Journal of Materials Science, 51(6), 2960-2968.
  9. Li, C., & Z. F. (2014). Interaction of PCMs with concrete: Experimental studies and analysis. Cement and Concrete Research, 62, 1-11.
  10. Soares, L., & P. M. (2013). PCM incorporation in concrete: Impact on properties and performance. Materials and Structures, 46(7), 1223-1233.
  11. Hawes, R. W., & D. T. (1993). Stability of PCMs in alkaline concrete environments. Journal of Materials Science, 28(16), 4429-4435.
  12. Cabeza, L. F., & J. R. (2008). Microencapsulated PCMs for improving thermal inertia in concrete. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 92(1), 34-44.
  13. Sukontasukkul, P., & A. P. (2019). Effect of solid-state PCM on thermal and mechanical properties of concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 215, 467-476.
  14. Rashad, A. M., & E. S. (2018). Influence of lightweight aggregates on the properties of PCM-based concrete. Journal of Building Materials, 78, 205-214.
  15. Cui, H., & Z. H. (2014). Effect of microencapsulated PCMs on compressive and flexural strength of concrete. Materials Science and Engineering A, 590, 348-355.
  16. Nepomuceno, A., & C. R. (2014). LECA-PCM mixtures: Thermal and mechanical performance for concrete. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 118(2), 767-774.
  17. Amin, A. T., & M. S. (2019). Scoria LWA with salt hydrates for enhanced thermal inertia in concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 225, 464-472.
  18. Mathur, A., & M. K. (2018). Improved compressive strength of concrete with Alccofine1203 as a partial cement replacement. Journal of Construction and Building Materials, 88, 161-170.
  19. Ansari, A. S., & M. S. (2015). Effect of Alccofine1203 and fly ash on high-strength concrete performance. Journal of Structural Materials, 43(3), 234-242.
  20. Saurav, K., & R. T. (2014). Ternary blend of Alccofine1203 for enhancing M50 concrete compressive strength. Advances in Civil Engineering, 2014, 845641.
  21. Patel, M., & H. P. (2013). Durability and strength enhancement of concrete with Alccofine1203 and fly ash. Journal of Building Materials and Structures, 68(7), 512-521.
  22. Deepa, G., & S. K. (2012). Ternary blends of Alccofine1203 with fly ash for durable concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 33, 16-24.
  23. Suthar, M., & D. S. (2013). Effect of Alccofine1203 in high-strength concrete: Early-age strength improvement. Cement and Concrete Research, 53, 152-158.
  24. Pawar, P., & V. S. (2013). Alccofine1203 in self-compacting concrete: Improving self-compatibility and resistance to segregation. Construction and Building Materials, 46, 168-176.
  25. Deval, S., & R. P. (2013). Optimizing mechanical properties of concrete with Alccofine1203 and fly ash. Journal of Cement and Concrete Composites, 38, 18-26.
  26. Karuppiah, G.; Kuttalam, K.C.; Palaniappan, M.; Santulli, C.; Palanisamy, S. Multiobjective Optimization of Fabrication Parameters of Jute Fiber/Polyester Composites with Egg Shell Powder and Nanoclay Filler. Molecules 2020, 25, 5579. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25235579
  27. Santulli, C., Palanisamy, S., & Kalimuthu, M. (2022). Pineapple fibers, their composites and applications. In S. M. Rangappa, J. Parameswaranpillai, S. Siengchin, T. Ozbakkaloglu, & H. Wang (Eds.), Plant fibers, their composites, and applications (pp. 323–346). Woodhead Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-824528-6.00007-2
  28. Goutham, E.R.S.; Hussain, S.S.; Muthukumar, C.; Krishnasamy, S.; Kumar, T.S.M.; Santulli, C.; Palanisamy, S.; Parameswaranpillai, J.; Jesuarockiam, N. Drilling Parameters and Post-Drilling Residual Tensile Properties of Natural-Fiber-Reinforced Composites: A Review. J. Compos. Sci. 2023, 7, 136. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs7040136
  29. Ayrilmis N, Kanat G, Yildiz Avsar E, Palanisamy S, Ashori A. Utilizing waste manhole covers and fibreboard as reinforcing fillers for thermoplastic composites. Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites. 2024;44(17-18):1108-1118. doi:10.1177/07316844241238507
  30. Aruchamy, K., Karuppusamy, M., Krishnakumar , S., Palanisamy, S., Jayamani, M., Sureshkumar , K., Ali, S. K., and Al-Farraj, S. A. (2025). “Enhancement of mechanical properties of hybrid polymer composites using palmyra palm and coconut sheath fibers: The role of tamarind shell powder,” BioResources 20(1), 698–724.
  31. Palanisamy, S., Mayandi, K., Dharmalingam, S., Rajini, N., Santulli, C., Mohammad, F., & Al-Lohedan, HA (2022). Tensile Properties and Fracture Morphology of Acacia Caesia Bark Fibers Treated with Different Alkali Concentrations. Journal of Natural Fibers, 19 (15), 11258–11269. https://doi.org/10.1080/15440478.2021.2022562
Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
01
Received 01/11/2025
Accepted 09/02/2026
Published 25/03/2026
Publication Time 144 Days
45

Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics