Abstract
Many studies have been conducted using carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs) for improving the electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of cementitious composites, but their practical use is yet to be achieved. Several methods have been attempted to secure the dispersibility in the cementitious composite matrix of CBNs, such as multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). In this study, MWCNTs and GNPs were noncovalently functionalized using melamine, a low-cost chemical, and ball milling, a simple process commonly used in industrial fields. Additionally, MWCNTs and GNPs having one- and two-dimensional shapes were mixed with the cement paste to examine their effect on electrical conductivity and compressive strength. Following the experiment, it was shown that the electrical conductivity was improved via the noncovalent functionalization of MWCNT and GNP. The compressive strength increased up to approximately 0.30–0.60% of the CBNs content; however, for CBN content higher than 0.60%, the compressive strength decreased. The hybrid MWCNT and GNP mixture had a negligible effect on the electrical conductivity and compressive strength.
Highlights
General concrete is limited in its use as a load-bearing construction material
The cohesion between the carbon particles of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) by the strong van der Waals force results in the agglomeration of carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs), leading to the formation of clusters and bundles when dispersed in a solution
This study investigated the effect of securing dispersibility through functionalization on conductivity
Summary
In recent years, as the demand for smart construction technology continues to grow, there have been continuous attempts to give concrete various functions in addition to basic structural performance [1] One such attempt involves using various carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs) to improve the strength, thermal properties, and electrical conductivity of cementitious composites [2]. The simultaneous mixture of two differently shaped CBNs is expected to be effective at forming a conductive network owing to the mutually complementary interaction To confirm this synergistic effect, MWCNTs and GNPs were hybrid mixed in a 1:1 ratio to reach a combined weight of 0.12%, 0.60%, and 1.20% of the cement weight.
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