Load Sensing Capability of Cementitious Matrixes—Nanomodified Cement Versus Carbon Nanotube Dispersion

A cement-based matrix incorporating conductive materials such as carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers can have self-sensing capability. Both nanomaterials are characterized by excellent physical, mechanical and electrical properties. A disadvantage is that due to their hydrophobic nature it is very difficult to ensure uniform dispersion throughout the cementitious matrix. To overcome this problem a new nanomodified cement containing in-situ attached CNFs was developed leading to a very homogenous and conductive binder matrix. This study aimed to compare the piezoresistive responses of two types of matrixes, one based on the nanomodified cement and the second containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Several mortars were prepared containing either MWCNTs or the nanomodified cement, which partially replaced the untreated cement. The effective amount of the carbon nanomaterials was the same for both types of mixes and ranged from 0 wt.% to 0.271 wt.%, calculated by the all binder weight. Changes in the electrical properties were determined while applying compressive load. The results showed that the binders based on the nanomodified cement have significantly better load sensing capabilities and are suitable for applications in monitoring systems.