Enhanced effect of carbon nanotube on mechanical and electrical properties of cement composites by incorporation of silica fume

Utilization of silica fume in CNT/cement composites was recently proposed as a mean of improving the dispersion of CNTs and enhancing the interfacial interaction between CNTs and the hydration products. The present study focuses on the enhanced effect of CNTs on mechanical and electrical properties of cement composites by incorporation of silica fume. A qualitative analysis using SEM images was carried out to observe the surface morphology and microstructure of cement composites with different amounts of silica fume and CNT addition. The effects of silica fume addition on the porosity, compressive strength, and electrical resistance of the CNT/cement composites were then systematically investigated. It was found that the improved dispersion of CNTs by incorporation of silica fume might yield the enhancement of the mechanical and electrical properties of CNT/cement composites, whereas the CNT additions in cement composite without silica fume had an insignificant effect on the mechanical and electrical properties of the cement composites. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.