A study on HyFRCC consisting of PE and carbon fiber: Investigation of electrical and fracture properties based on orthogonal design

Hybrid fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (HyFRCC) consisting of polyethylene (PE) and carbon fiber (CF) have potential for use in advanced composite materials by integrating high mechanical performance with smart functions based on electrical properties. However, an evaluation of the electrical and fracture properties of HyFRCC has not yet been reported. An orthogonal experimental design was used to investigate the effect of the water-to-binder (w/b) ratio and volume fraction of PE and carbon fiber on the electrical properties and fracture behavior of HyFRCC in this paper. The results show that the w/b ratio plays a major role in controlling the electrical resistivity of HyFRCC. The larger the amount of hybrid fibers added, the higher the w/b ratio needed. In particular, the PE fiber must not exceed 1.5 vol% to obtain HyFRCC with low electrical resistivity. Carbon fiber has a significant effect on the initial fracture toughness of HyFRCC, while PE fiber determines its unstable fracture toughness. A hybrid fiber system containing 1.0 vol% PE fiber and 0.5 vol% carbon fiber at a w/b ratio of 0.35 was used to reach a compatible electrical property and fracture behavior of HyFRCC. The results of this work provide a novel approach for designing and developing multifunctional cementitious composites, which would be a promising building material for structural strengthening and protection of steel corrosion as well as structural health monitoring.

Automated summary

This study investigates the electrical properties and fracture behavior of cementitious composites HyFRCC, which consist of polyethylene (PE) and carbon fiber (CF). An orthogonal experimental design was used to evaluate the effect of water-to-binder ratio and volume fraction of fibers on the properties of HyFRCC. The results show that the water-to-binder ratio significantly affects the electrical resistivity, while CF affects the initial fracture toughness and PE determines the unstable fracture toughness. By selecting the appropriate fiber system and water-to-binder ratio, HyFRCC can achieve compatible electrical properties and fracture behavior.