Analysis of the Electrical and Mechanical Properties of Cement Composite Produced with Brake Lining Waste

Abstract

Cement composites such as mortars and concretes with electrically conductive properties, have different uses, such as electromagnetic shielding, electrical grounding, cathodic protection, vehicle traffic monitoring, and the detection of strains and cracks in buildings. However, for these composites to have their electrical conductivity increased, it is necessary to incorporate electrically conductive materials, such as metals and carbon. Nonetheless, such materials tend to be expensive, which makes the manufacture of the composite more expensive. In this sense, using waste materials can help reduce costs and minimize impacts on the environment. Therefore, cement mortars were produced in this research with waste of brake linings from heavy vehicles, which may contain metallic and carbon-based materials. The mortars produced had part of the sand replaced by up to 70% crushed waste, which was submitted for analysis of compressive strength and electrical impedance. Preliminary results showed a decrease in the impedance (showing a trend of increasing electrical conductivity) of mortars with brake lining waste compared to mortars without waste, as well as a decrease in compressive strength. Finally, the use of brake lining waste in the production of cement composites can help reduce the consumption of natural resources as well as minimize the disposal of waste in landfills, which in both cases contributes to the sustainability of the environment.