Synergistic Effect of MWCNT and Carbon Fiber Hybrid Fillers on Electrical and Mechanical Properties of Alkali-Activated Slag Composites

Hyeong Min Park,Beomjoo Yang,Chanho Park,Jinho Bang,Minwook Lee

doi:10.3390/cryst10121139

Abstract

Herein, we investigated the synergistic effect of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and carbon fiber (CF) hybrid fillers on electrical and mechanical characteristics of alkali-activated slag (AAS) composites. Many studies on AAS composites have been conducted in the past; however, not much progress has been made regarding characteristics of AAS composites with hybrid conductive fillers. The specimens with different mix proportions were fabricated in the present study, and numerous material characteristics, including flowability, electrical resistivity, and compressive strength of AAS composites were measured. In addition, the synergistic effects were investigated through scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. It was found that the 0.5 wt.% of MWCNTs and CFs lead the effects of the bridging and reducing crack propagation, thereby improving its electrical and mechanical performances. The filler exceeding a percolation point improved the electrical performance of the AAS composites; however, it interfered with the hydration process during the curing period, and caused a decrease in compressive strength of AAS composites.

Highlights

Climate change due to industrial development and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions is considered a critical problem, and global efforts are focused on researching and preparing countermeasures [1]
As the amount of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) increased, the fluidity of all specimens decreased, and this phenomenon was remarkable as the amount of MWCNTs increased
The specimens with different mix proportions were fabricated in the present study, were studied

Summary

Introduction

Climate change due to industrial development and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions is considered a critical problem, and global efforts are focused on researching and preparing countermeasures [1]. The increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere can bring numerous climate changes, such as rising temperatures, changing ecosystems, and increasing natural disasters. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has tried to reduce greenhouse gases to prevent abnormal climate phenomena. Portland cement has been used most widely on construction fields. It produces a large amount of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) emissions, which is about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions [2]. As the need for CO2 reduction has emerged, as above, research on replacing Portland cement is actively being conducted worldwide with industrial by-products, such as alkali-activated cement [3,4,5]

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Conclusion