The performance of stress-sensing smart fiber reinforced composites in moist and sodium chloride environments

The addition of carbon nano-fibers (CNF) to fiber reinforced composites (FRC) based on polyvinyl alcohol fibers can improve the flexural strength of composites. Depending on applied stress, moisture content, and exposure to chloride solutions, the developed CNF composites exhibit specific levels of electrical conductivity. Reported research has demonstrated a strong dependency of electrical response of composite to crack formation in moist and NaCl environments. It was demonstrated that the sensitivity to strain and chloride solution can be enhanced by CNF. The developed technology and smart composite material are scalable for application in nondestructive monitoring of concrete structures that require improved integrity under service loads and stability in harsh environments. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.