Capacitive ultrasonic micro-transducer made of carbon nanotubes: Prospects for the in-situ embedded non-destructive testing of durability in cementitious materials

We put forward an innovative method for the non-destructive testing of durability in cementitious material. It is based on microporosity probing by high-frequency ultrasonic micro-transducers. We present elements of the realisation and the characterization of such challenging devices. Their design relies on the exceptional mechanical performances of carbon nanotubes. Modelling of the devices in a fluid environment provides a preliminary validation of their suitability for durability monitoring.