Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Wuyi University, Wuyishan City, 354300, China

2 Fujian Higher Education Institution’s Key Laboratory of Smart Town Construction of Hilly Mountains, Wuyishan City, 354300, China

3 Overseas Education College, Wuyi University, Wuyishan City, 354300, China

4 Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Prevention and Control of Geological Hazards of Mountainous Region of Northern Fujian Province, Wuyishan City, 354300, China

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyse the effective method of dispersion of MWCNTs for the application in cement-based composites. Efficient dispersion of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) is one of the most challenging and crucial aspects for the application in cement-based composite. In this study, two different CNTs, pristine and functionalized (p-MWCNTs and f-MWCNTs) were dispersed in de-ionized water using different surfactants, Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP k-30 and PVP k-90) & Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) and conducted a comparative investigation of the effects. Dispersion using an ultrasonic, treatment with surfactant and integrated method of both were analysed. The influence of CNTs dispersion on the electrical conductivity of the aqueous solution and to cement composites has been studied. Among the surfactant used PVPk-30 provide the best-dispersing effect while PVPk-30+SDS shows an extraordinary enhancement of conductivity of an aqueous solution. Analysis of electrical conductivity of Various % CNTs’ loaded specimen (0,0.001,0.003,0.025 wt.%) with different curing period (3,7,14,21,28 days) showed that the electrical resistivity decreases with CNTs’ loading. Dispersion effect of surfactant on p-MWCNTs and f-MWCNTs has been characterized by Ultraviolet-visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and electrical resistivity measurement is carried for investigation and comparison on enhancement of electrical conductivity. 

Graphical Abstract

Dispersion of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Using Polyvinylpyrrolidone for Application in Cement - Based Composites to Enhance Electrical Conductivity

Keywords