Title:
A New Scalable Method for the Dispersion of Carbon Nanotube - Alumina Hybrid Nanomaterials in Concrete: Effect on Mechanical Properties, Electrical Conductivity and Strain Sensing Ability
Author(s):
Silvy
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
ws_F23_Silvy.pdf
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
10/29/2023
Abstract:
The effects of the preparation and dispersion method of a carbon nanotube (CNT) - alumina hybrid material on the mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, and piezoresistive response have been investigated. The CNT hybrid material was synthesized using a proprietary metal-supported catalyst formulation, with ethylene as the carbon source, in a pilot rotary tube reactor at 650°C for a reaction time of 10 minutes. The CNT-hybrid material underwent characterization through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), ash content analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), particle size distribution (PSD), and tap bulk density. Dry blending was used to integrate the CNT-hybrid material into the cement matrix at 0.15 wt% of cement. It was found that the mechanical properties of the cementitious nanocomposites were greatly improved: flexural strength was increased by 77%; and modulus of elasticity by 49%. A moderate increase of the compressive strength was observed, 20%, compared to plain mortar. Futhermore, the hybrid CNT cementitious nanocomposites exhibited an adequate electromechanical response essential for strain sensing (resistivity change ?p/p0=3.6% at 5 MPa stress). Compared to the conventional ultrasonication dispersion procedures, the dry blending powder method is significantly simpler and faster, and results in a scalable CNT-hybrid integration method suitable for advanced cementitious nanocomposites.