LAUSR

Abstract Unwanted fluctuation of electrical properties of cement composite incorporating carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) by several factors were investigated. The CNMs/cement composites could be applied as multi-functional sensors for concrete structures due to their unique electrical properties, and their fluctuation should be controlled in order to ensure the reliability of the sensor. Series of experiments and simple modeling were carried out, and possible causes were selected by comprehensively considering these results in the present work and previous studies as well. The causes of fluctuation of electrical properties of CNM/cement composite can be summarized as follows: 1) ununiformed dispersion of CNM in cement matrix, 2) cracking: disconnection of CNM network, 3) growth of hydration products: tunnel blockage effect, 4) debonding of electrodes, 5) interfacial void around composite sensors, 6) moisture contents in cement composite (also correlated with polarization and ion flow).