Effect of Carbon Nanotubes on Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Behaviour of High-Tensile-Strength Steel

International Journal of Civil Engineering

© 2026 by SSRG - IJCE Journal

Volume 13 Issue 3

Year of Publication : 2026

Authors : Balamuralikrishnan R, Soleen Jaber Ahmad Al-Hasan, Nadeen Waleed Naser

10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V13I3P116

How to Cite?

Balamuralikrishnan R, Soleen Jaber Ahmad Al-Hasan, Nadeen Waleed Naser, "Effect of Carbon Nanotubes on Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Behaviour of High-Tensile-Strength Steel," SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering, vol. 13,  no. 3, pp. 230-239, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V13I3P116

Abstract:

The engineering of nanomaterials, particularly carbon nanotubes, is a most promising area of consideration for industries, consumer products, and biomedical applications in terms of their outstanding and unique property sets. Although CNTs are only one-sixth as heavy as steel, their tensile strength is 100 times higher from a nanotechnology perspective. In addition, owing to their uniquely high aspect ratio, CNTs are in high demand as agents to be used as reinforcing agents in advanced composite material preparations. Industrially, CNTs have already started to be used as additives in thin films, engineering plastics, polymer composites, electronic displays, anti-corrosive coatings, and opaque as well as transparent conductive films. Various studies have revealed that CNTs could successfully improve mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, even in steel. For instance, in previous studies on the impact of highly humid and highly acidic environments on the coatings of mild steel using CNTs, it was revealed that steel samples treated at 950 °C for 90 minutes were optimum to offer balanced strength and corrosion resistance. Tensile strength testing on the pre-coated-HTSS bars was also performed. The testing was conducted in four series with three samples for each. From the basic strength measured on the basic samples without any coatings on the bars prior to the experiment, the Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) was 621 N/mm². Unlike the basic samples without coatings, the second series with pre-coated-HTSS bars underwent treatment to 500°C, and the UTS strength was 595 N/mm², or a reduction of 4%. Likewise, the third series with bars pre-coated prior to the treatment at 750°C showed 405 N/mm², or an increase of 6% from the fourth series pre-coated prior to the treatment at 900°C. Moreover, the fourth series recorded a UTS strength of 382 N/mm². As anticipated, preheating at 900°C resulted in a drastic reduction in mechanical strength, despite the fact that steel does not melt at 1600°C; preheating can potentially reach critical points on a microscopic level, as steel melts at 1600°C. Furthermore, six concrete slabs with HTSS bars were tested for corrosion by immersing them in a salt solution for a period of fifty-six days. Opposite to the reduction in the levels of corrosion in the uncoated bars to 0%, the CNT-coated bars showed a great reduction in corrosion of 100%, despite the fact that 50% corrosion had occurred in the uncoated bars. Future research can include the use of combined coatings, optimal slurry preparation, and higher levels of CNT concentration.

Keywords:

CNT, High Tensile Strength Steel, Mechanical properties, Corrosion rate, Coated bar.

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