LAUSR

Abstract In the present work, chopped carbon fibers (CFs) were incorporated into a CF-reinforced cementitious matrix (C-FRCM) and are considered to be an operative reinforcement material with a good compatibility with concrete. The interfacial bonding between the C-FRCM and concrete was evaluated by pull-off and double-shear tests. The pull-off and shear strengths of the C-FRCM with chopped CFs were enhanced under long-term polarization compared to those for matrixes without chopped CFs. The microstructure of the interface between the C-FRCM and concrete was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The microanalyses showed that the presence of CFs retarded the degradation of the CF-reinforced plastic (CFRP) mesh, indicating that chopped CFs can serve as a secondary anode and form a three-dimensional conductive system, where the CFRP mesh serves as the main anode and can diffuse the polarization current, lessening the electrical degradation of the CFRP mesh.