Improved piezoresistive sensitivity and stability of CNT/cement mortar composites with low water–binder ratio

Abstract In previous studies by the authors, it was found that a lower water–binder ratio led to enhanced dispersion of carbon nanotube (CNT) in the cement matrix. The objective of this study was to investigate the piezoresistive sensitivity and stability of CNT/cement mortar composites with low water–binder ratio. The effect of absorbed water on the piezoresistivity of the composites was also investigated, since it strongly affects the electrical properties of the composites. The changes in the electrical resistance of composite specimens induced by external cyclic loading were measured to investigate their piezoresistive sensitivity and stability. The experimental results indicates that the stability of piezoresistivity under cyclic loading and their time-based sensitivity can be improved by decreasing the water–binder ratio of the cement composites. Moreover, the variation of piezoresistivity induced by the moisture content can be decreased by low water–binder ratio.

[1]  Haeng-Ki Lee,et al.  Electromagnetic Characteristics of Cement Matrix Materials with Carbon Nanotubes , 2012 .

[2]  Haeng-Ki Lee,et al.  Influence of silica fume additions on electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of multi-walled carbon nanotube/cement composites , 2012 .

[3]  Giuseppe Andrea Ferro,et al.  Influence of carbon nanotubes structure on the mechanical behavior of cement composites , 2009 .

[4]  E. Kwon,et al.  A self-sensing carbon nanotube/cement composite for traffic monitoring , 2009, Nanotechnology.

[5]  Haeng-Ki Lee,et al.  Enhanced effect of carbon nanotube on mechanical and electrical properties of cement composites by incorporation of silica fume , 2014 .

[6]  Christopher Y. Tuan,et al.  CONDUCTIVE CONCRETE FOR BRIDGE DECK DEICING AND ANTI-ICING , 2004 .

[7]  Bing Chen,et al.  Conductivity of carbon fiber reinforced cement-based composites , 2004 .

[8]  H. Lee,et al.  Conductive cement matrix composites with carbon nanotube (CNT) and nanoparticles , 2013 .

[9]  Nemkumar Banthia,et al.  Cement-based sensors with carbon fibers and carbon nanotubes for piezoresistive sensing , 2012 .

[10]  Hui Li,et al.  Effect of compressive strain on electrical resistivity of carbon black-filled cement-based composites , 2006 .

[11]  H. Lee,et al.  Flow, water absorption, and mechanical characteristics of normal- and high-strength mortar incorporating fine bottom ash aggregates , 2012 .

[12]  H. Lee,et al.  Effects of High Volumes of Fly Ash, Blast Furnace Slag, and Bottom Ash on Flow Characteristics, Density, and Compressive Strength of High-Strength Mortar , 2013 .

[13]  Thomas O. Mason,et al.  AC-impedance response of multi-walled carbon nanotube/cement composites , 2006 .

[14]  Sherif Yehia,et al.  Implementation of Conductive Concrete Overlay for Bridge Deck Deicing at Roca, Nebraska , 2004 .

[15]  D. Chung,et al.  Effect of Moisture on Piezoresistivity of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Cement Paste , 2008 .

[16]  Sihai Wen,et al.  Piezoresistivity in continuous carbon fiber cement-matrix composite , 1999 .

[17]  Florence Sanchez,et al.  Microstructure and macroscopic properties of hybrid carbon nanofiber/silica fume cement composites , 2009 .

[18]  Jinping Ou,et al.  Electrode design, measuring method and data acquisition system of carbon fiber cement paste piezoresistive sensors , 2007 .

[19]  D. Chung,et al.  Electric polarization in carbon fiber-reinforced cement , 2001 .

[20]  Dong Le,et al.  Electrical resistivity as a measure of change of state in substrates: Design, development and validation of an automated system , 2011 .

[21]  Eil Kwon,et al.  A carbon nanotube/cement composite with piezoresistive properties , 2009 .

[22]  Jinping Ou,et al.  Embedded piezoresistive cement-based stress/strain sensor , 2007 .

[23]  Mohamed Saafi,et al.  Wireless and embedded carbon nanotube networks for damage detection in concrete structures , 2009, Nanotechnology.

[24]  Edurne Erkizia,et al.  Atomic force microscopy and nanoindentation of cement pastes with nanotube dispersions , 2006 .

[25]  D. Chung.  Electrically conductive cement-based materials , 2004 .

[26]  N. P. Fofonoff,et al.  Physical properties of seawater: A new salinity scale and equation of state for seawater , 1985 .

[27]  D.D.L. Chung,et al.  Partial replacement of carbon fiber by carbon black in multifunctional cement–matrix composites , 2007 .