3. New-Generation Cement-Based Nanocomposites with Nickel-Coated CNT

Nickel-coated CNT combines excellent mechanical properties, high aspect ratio, light weight, and unique hollow tubular structure of CNT with good wetting and ferromagnetic properties of nanoscale nickel particles, thus increasing the activation point on CNT surface and modifying the dielectric properties of CNT. Therefore, nickel-coated CNT is a promising nanofiber for improving/modifying the properties of cement-based composites. The cement-based nanocomposites with nickel-coated CNT feature the enhanced static and dynamic mechanical properties due to the high dispersibility of nickel-coated CNT, the strong bonding between nickel-coated CNT and cement-based composites as well as the modification effect of nickel-coated CNT on the structures of cement-based composites. They also exhibit remarkable electromagnetic shielding and absorption properties because of the synergistic effect of CNT with high dielectric properties and nanoscale nickel particles with ferromagnetic properties as well as extensive distribution of nickel-coated CNT. The cement-based nanocomposites nickel-coated CNT present broad application prospects in high-rise buildings, long-span bridges, and other large-scale infrastructures as well as military, nuclear power plant, and extraterrestrial infrastructures.