Dispersion effect of nano-structure pyrolytic carbon on mechanical, electrical, and microstructural characteristics of cement mortar composite

Abstract

ABSTRACT In material science, converting waste into nanomaterials by green technologies highlights the interest in producing sustainable carbon nanomaterial (SCN). This study first-ever utilized tyre-char as a Nano-Structure Pyrolytic Carbon (NSPC) to develop electrically conductive composites. Unlike other carbon nanomaterials, the efficiency of NSPC particle as an SCN in developing electrically conductive composites was investigated in terms of dispersion, mechanical, water absorption, electrical resistivity, and microstructure. The results of sedimentation and zeta potential (−19 mV) showed the excellent dispersion of NSPC particle in water with the combined effect of superplasticizer and ultrasonication. The compressive (40.37%) and flexural strength (10.76%) than that of plain cement mortar composite (CMC) is achieved with 2 wt.% and 1.5 wt.% of NSPC particle, respectively. The water absorption rate and volume of permeable voids were reduced, exhibiting less agglomerations. The percolation zone of AC and DC resistivity of NSPC composite ranges between 1 and 2 wt.%, and the established percolation threshold is at 2 wt.%. XRD analysis showed C-S-H formation consistently increased with curing age, and HR-SEM with EDAX analysis exhibits the dense microstructure and well-distributed NSPC particle at the nanoscale. These experimental outcomes significantly enhanced the reliability and provided a framework for tailoring NSPC particle as SCN for developing electrically conductive composite.