Influence of expanded graphite coming from the electrochemical oxidation of phenol on cement-polymer matrix

In presented article the polymer-modified cement mortars with expanded graphite covered by the oligomer film, being a by-product of phenol electro-oxidation, were investigated. The changes in the morphology of EG and EG/oligomer as well as in the microstructure of cement-polymer composites modified with EG/oligomer were verified using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The evaluation of adhesion between EG/oligomer and cement-polymer mortar based on the mechanical tests, especially their flexural behavior. It was shown that the oligomer film formed on EG surface made graphite flakes more durable and resistant to bending. Moreover, the oligomer due to the interaction with polymer network in cement-polymer mortar led to the improvement of flexural toughness of composite.