Evaluating the durability of carbon-nanotube-reinforced cementitious composites

a systematic literature review of contemporary knowledge

Authors

  • Bárbara Martins Federal University of Goiás; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Graduate Program in Geotechnics, Structures, and Civil Construction. https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6515-3536
  • Andrielli Oliveira Federal University of Goiás; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Graduate Program in Geotechnics, Structures, and Civil Construction. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8977-785X
  • Oswaldo Cascudo Federal University of Goiás; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Graduate Program in Geotechnics, Structures, and Civil Construction. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1879-6396

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18830/1679-09442026v19e55349

Keywords:

Composites, Concrete, Carbon nanotubes, Durability

Abstract

Reinforcing cementitious matrices with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) can enable crack control at the nanoscale, contributing to the durability and strength of these composites. A key challenge associated with these composites is the difficulty in dispersing MWCNTs and the low interfacial interaction between the fiber and the matrix. This study conducted a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to identify the main MWCNT contents and dispersion techniques, correlating them with durability parameters in environmental conditions that degrade cementitious matrices, such as CO2, chlorides, acids, and sulfates. A search string was applied to international databases between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 18 articles. The results showed that MWCNTs improve the mechanical properties and microstructure of the composites, in addition to reducing the values of chloride ion migration coefficients and CO2 diffusion. This was attributed to mechanisms such as nucleation points (formation of cement hydration products), stress transfer bridges in microcracks, and matrix densification. Although MWCNTs have demonstrated potential in enhancing the durability of cementitious composites, the diversity of methodologies and exposure conditions calls for further studies to achieve greater consensus in the results.

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Author Biographies

Bárbara Martins, Federal University of Goiás; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Graduate Program in Geotechnics, Structures, and Civil Construction.

Works as an adjunct professor at the University of Rio Verde (UniRV), teaching courses in the area of ​​structures for the Faculty of Civil Engineering. She has experience in the field of civil construction in vertical and horizontal works. She holds a degree in Civil Engineering from the Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás (PUC-GO), obtained in 2013, a master's degree in Structural Mechanics from the Postgraduate Program in Geotechnics, Structures and Civil Construction (PPG-GECON) at the Federal University of Goiás (UFG), obtained in 2016, and is currently a doctoral candidate in the area of ​​construction materials in the same program.

Andrielli Oliveira, Federal University of Goiás; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Graduate Program in Geotechnics, Structures, and Civil Construction.

She is a professor at EECA - School of Civil and Environmental Engineering - UFG and works on the topics of durability and performance of reinforced concrete structures, supplementary cementitious materials, fiber-reinforced cementitious composites, reinforcement corrosion and corrosion investigation and monitoring techniques, non-destructive techniques, rheology of cementitious matrices, losses in civil construction, watertightness and waterproofing in constructions. She holds a PhD in civil engineering with experience in Durability of Cementitious Composite Materials and Mechanical Behavior, including fluency from PEC/COPPE/UFRJ. She teaches undergraduate courses in civil and environmental and sanitary engineering, in the specialization course in civil construction and in the master's and doctoral courses - PPGGECON (Post-Graduate Program in Structures, Geotechnics and Civil Construction of EECA/UFG).

Oswaldo Cascudo, Federal University of Goiás; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Graduate Program in Geotechnics, Structures, and Civil Construction.

Holds a degree in Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB, 1987), a master's degree (1991) and a doctorate (2000) in Civil Engineering from the University of São Paulo (USP), with research focused on the use of electrochemical techniques in controlling the corrosion of reinforcement bars and the influence of carbon steel characteristics on corrosion behavior in reinforced concrete. A Full Professor at the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering of the Federal University of Goiás (UFG) since 1992, he contributed to the implementation of the teaching of building pathology at the undergraduate level, to the consolidation of postgraduate studies, and to the creation of research infrastructure. He has extensive experience in concrete durability, corrosion of reinforcement bars in concrete, application of potential techniques for corrosion detection, electrical resistivity, and other electrochemical techniques. He coordinated several projects funded by ANEEL/Furnas, Finep, Capes, and Fapeg, and was the coordinator of the PPGGECON (2010–2012).

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Published

2026-03-07

How to Cite

Martins, B., Oliveira, A., & Cascudo, O. (2026). Evaluating the durability of carbon-nanotube-reinforced cementitious composites: a systematic literature review of contemporary knowledge. Paranoá, 19, e55349 . https://doi.org/10.18830/1679-09442026v19e55349

Issue

Vol. 19 (2026): January/December Edition

Section

Technology, Environment and Sustainability

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