Sensors (Feb 2023)

Influences of CNT Dispersion Methods, W/C Ratios, and Concrete Constituents on Piezoelectric Properties of CNT-Modified Smart Cementitious Materials

  • Tofatun Jannat,
  • Ying Huang,
  • Zhi Zhou,
  • Dawei Zhang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/s23052602
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 23, no. 5
p. 2602

Abstract

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In order to achieve effective monitoring of concrete structures for sound structural health, the addition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into cementitious materials offers a promising solution for fabricating CNT-modified smart concrete with self-sensing ability. This study investigated the influences of CNT dispersion method, water/cement (W/C) ratio, and concrete constituents on the piezoelectric properties of CNT-modified cementitious materials. Three CNT dispersion methods (direct mixing, sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate (NaDDBS) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) surface treatment), three W/C ratios (0.4, 0.5, and 0.6), and three concrete constituent compositions (pure cement, cement/sand, and cement/sand/coarse aggregate) were considered. The experimental results showed that CNT-modified cementitious materials with CMC surface treatment had valid and consistent piezoelectric responses to external loading. The piezoelectric sensitivity improved significantly with increased W/C ratio and reduced progressively with the addition of sand and coarse aggregates.

Keywords