Electrical and Sulfate-Sensing Properties of Alkali-Activated Nanocomposites

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Contributors

Abstract

We investigated the formation of the conductive network of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in alkali-activated nanocomposites for sulfate-sensing applications. The matrix was a one-part blend of fly ash and ground granulated blast-furnace slag, activated by sodium silicate and water. Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate was used as the surfactant for dispersion of the CNTs in the aqueous media. The nanocomposites were investigated by a laboratory-developed setup to study the electrical and sensing properties of the alkali-activated material. The electrical properties (i.e., conductivity) were calculated and assessed to discover the percolation threshold of the nanocomposites. Furthermore, the sensing behavior of nanocomposites was studied upon sulfate (SO42- ) exposure by introduction of sulfuric acid ((H2SO4) ) and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4 ). The sensors were able to preliminarily exhibit a signal difference based on the introduced media (H2SO4& Mg SO4 ), CNT content and H2SO4 volumetric quantity. The results of this research demonstrated a sensing potential of CNT alkali-activated nanocomposites and can be applied in the concrete structural health monitoring.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNanotechnology in Construction for Circular Economy - Proceedings of NICOM7
EditorsWenhui Duan, Lihai Zhang, Surendra P. Shah
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media B.V.
Pages285-296
Number of pages12
ISBN (print)9789819933297
Publication statusPublished - 2023
Peer-reviewedYes

Publication series

Series Lecture notes in civil engineering
Volume356 LNCE
ISSN2366-2557

Conference

TitleNanotechnology in construction, including deep advances in cement chemistry, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, robotics, concrete technology, and extreme engineering (blast, impact and fire)
Duration31 October - 2 November 2022
CityMelbourne
CountryAustralia

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Aggressive ion sensing, Alkali-activated nanocomposites, Carbon nanotubes, Structural health monitoring