Carbon Nanotube Addition to Cement-Sand Based Piezoelectric Composites

Abstract

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) were added to a cement-sand based piezoelectric composite with consideration of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) to improve conductivity and poling efficiency, increasing piezoelectric effects. The addition of CNTs to the composite structure formed continuous electric networks between the Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) particles, allowing more effective poling. Samples of 50 volume percent PZT were fabricated with a mixture of PZT powder, white Portland cement, graded silica sand, CNTs and a superplasticizer, and cured at room temperature. The properties of the composite, including piezoelectric coefficient and sensing effects were characterized for a range of CNT inclusion from 0 to 0.9 vol %. Results showed that CNT inclusion allowed for effective room temperature poling, improving piezoelectric properties of the composite. The modified composite was optimal at 0.6 vol % CNTs.