Abstract
We address multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for structural health monitoring in adhesive bonds, such as in building structures. MWCNT-loaded composites are employed to sense strain changes under tension load using an AC impedance measurement setup. Different weight percentages of 1, 1.5, 2 and 3 wt % MWCNTs are added to the base epoxy resin using different dispersion times, i.e., 5, 10, and 15 min. The equivalent parallel resistance of the specimens is first measured by applying an alternating voltage at different frequencies. To determine the mechanical as well as sensory properties, the specimens are then subjected to a tensile test with concurrent impedance measurement at a fixed pre-chosen frequency. Using alternating voltage, a higher sensitivity of the impedance reading can be achieved. Employing these sensors in buildings and combining the readings of a network of such devices can significantly improve the buildings’ safety. Additionally, networks of such sensors can be used to identify necessary maintenance actions and locations.
Highlights
The aim to fabricate smart composite structures to improve safety and to monitor structures as part of our living environment has resulted in a major research effort regarding the composition and performance of composites based on advanced materials
The conductive nano-adhesive was prepared with various multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) contents and different dispersion times
The capability of the prepared MWCNT–epoxy composites as nanocomposite sensors was studied by determining their electrical impedance changes during longitudinal loading
Summary
The aim to fabricate smart composite structures to improve safety and to monitor structures as part of our living environment has resulted in a major research effort regarding the composition and performance of composites based on advanced materials. Advanced materials are used to fabricate smart sensors based on carbon particles, such as carbon fibers, carbon blocks, graphite [1,2], and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). MWCNTs have distinctive mechanical and electrical properties. They provide a unique potential to improve the mechanical [3,4,5] as well as electrical properties [6,7,8,9,10] of polymer–matrix composites. In [7], the electrical properties of CNT–epoxy nanocomposites were improved by surface treatment of the CNT specimens
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