Author:
Davoodabadi Maliheh,Liebscher Marco,Sgarzi Massimo,Riemenschneider Leif,Wolf Daniel,Hampel Silke,Cuniberti Gianaurelio,Mechtcherine Viktor
Abstract
AbstractWe 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 ($${\mathrm{SO}}_{4}^{2-}$$
SO
4
2
-
) exposure by introduction of sulfuric acid ($$({\mathrm{H}}_{2}{\mathrm{SO}}_{4})$$
(
H
2
SO
4
)
) and magnesium sulfate ($${\mathrm{MgSO}}_{4}$$
MgSO
4
). The sensors were able to preliminarily exhibit a signal difference based on the introduced media ($${\mathrm{H}}_{2}{\mathrm{SO}}_{4} \&\mathrm{ Mg}{\mathrm{SO}}_{4}$$
H
2
SO
4
&
Mg
SO
4
), CNT content and $${\mathrm{H}}_{2}{\mathrm{SO}}_{4}$$
H
2
SO
4
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.
Publisher
Springer Nature Singapore