Electrochemical Impedance as an Assessment Tool for the Investigation of the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Graphene-Based Cementitious Nanocomposites

This investigation explores the potential of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in evaluating graphene-based cementitious nanocomposites, focusing on their physical and structural properties, i.e., electrical resistivity, porosity, and fracture toughness. EIS was employed to study cement mixtures with varying graphene nanoplatelet (xGnP) concentrations (0.05-0.40% per dry cement weight), whereas flexural tests assessed fracture toughness and porosimetry analyses investigated the structural characteristics. The research demonstrated that the electrical resistivity initially decreased with increasing xGnP content, leveling off at higher concentrations. The inclusion of xGnPs correlated with an increase in the total porosity of the cement mixtures, which was indicated by both EIS and porosimetry measurements. Finally, a linear correlation emerged between fracture toughness and electrical resistivity, contributing also to underscore the use of EIS as a potent non-destructive tool for evaluating the physical and mechanical properties of conductive nano-reinforced cementitious nanocomposites.

Automated summary

This investigation examines the potential of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in assessing the physical and structural properties of graphene-based cementitious nanocomposites. The study demonstrates that electrical resistivity decreases and total porosity increases with the inclusion of graphene nanoplatelets (xGnP). Moreover, there exists a linear correlation between fracture toughness and electrical resistivity, highlighting the usefulness of EIS in evaluating the physical and mechanical properties of conductive nano-reinforced cementitious nanocomposites.