Fabrication of Piezoresistive CNT/CNF Cementitious Composites with Superplasticizer as Dispersant

AbstractDispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/carbon nanofibers (CNFs) in cement matrixes is one of the key problems for fabricating piezoresistive CNT/CNF cementitious composites. The use of existing dispersants such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (NaDDBS), and methylcellulose to disperse CNTs/CNFs has negative effects on the hydration of cement and will cause decreases in the mechanical properties of cementitious composites. In this study, a superplasticizer, a commonly used component in cementitious composites, is found to be capable of effectively dispersing CNTs and CNFs in a cement matrix. This eliminates the need for additional dispersants for fabricating piezoresistive CNT/CNF cementitious composites and avoids the impairment of composite properties by additional dispersants. The dispersion of CNTs/CNFs in cement matrix is evaluated by observing the dispersion of CNTs/CNFs in the superplasticizer aqueous solution, examining the morphology of composites, and analyz...

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