# Multifunctional Graphene-Concrete Composites: Performance and Mechanisms
## 4 Conclusions  
In conclusion, this study investigated the performance of graphene-reinforced concrete, which is influenced by multiple mechanisms, including heat conduction, bridging, and stress dispersion. The incorporation of an optimal amount of graphene into concrete significantly enhanced its mechanical, photothermal, and impermeability properties. Compared to the control group, graphene-modified concrete exhibits a denser microstructure and the enhanced formation of hydration products. In addition, the compressive strength of graphene-reinforced concrete increased by 44%. In terms of photothermal performance, the heat-absorption capacity improved by up to 0.7%, while the heat-release capacity decreased by up to 0.4%, resulting in an overall increase in the heat-storage capacity by up to 0.8%. When applied to building walls, this material can effectively reduce the heat and cold loads of the building. Regarding impermeability, the maximum penetration depth of graphene-reinforced concrete was significantly reduced by approximately 200%, making it suitable for use in building walls and other applications where water infiltration needs to be minimized. These findings demonstrated the multifunctional benefits of graphene-reinforced concrete, offering significant advancements in both structural and environmental performance. Despite the relatively high cost of graphene materials, their utilization in this study and potential future applications remain minimal. Furthermore, graphene can be selectively incorporated into the surface layer of the wall, thereby optimizing material efficiency. To reduce costs, the preparation process should be streamlined to the greatest extent possible.  
Conceptualization, J.S.; methodology, J.S. and M.W.; validation, M.W. and P.W.; resources, J.S.; data curation, M.W. and Y.W.; writing--original draft, M.W. and M.Y.; writing--review and editing, M.W., D.Z., X.C. and W.D. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
This study is supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin of Tianjin Chengjian University (Grant No. 24 JCYBJC00610).  
Not applicable.  
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c c c c c c} \hline \hline \multirow{2}{*}{**Number**} & \multicolumn{4}{c}{**K (cm)**} & \multicolumn{4}{c}{**S (cm\({}^{2}\))**} \\ \cline{2-9}  & **First Test** & **Second Test** & **Third Test** & **Average Value** & **First Test** & **Second Test** & **Third Test** & **Average Value** \\ \hline
1-4 & 1.4 & 1.4 & 1.7 & 1.5 & 28.5 & 30.5 & 30.0 & 29.5 \\ \hline
2-4 & 1.0 & 1.1 & 0.9 & 1.0 & 25.0 & 26.0 & 24.0 & 25.0 \\ \hline
3-4 & 0.4 & 0.6 & 0.5 & 0.5 & 24.5 & 25.5 & 25.0 & 25.0 \\ \hline
4-4 & 1.0 & 0.6 & 0.8 & 0.8 & 27.0 & 26.0 & 25.0 & 26.0 \\ \hline
5-4 & 1.0 & 1.0 & 0.7 & 0.9 & 30.5 & 29.5 & 30.0 & 30.0 \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table}
Table 5: Test result of block impermeability test.  
Data Availability Statement: The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors on request.  
During the preparation of this manuscript, the authors used ChatGPT for the purposes of formatting and English grammar correction. The authors have reviewed and edited the output and take full responsibility for the content of this publication.  
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.