Electro-thermal properties and Seebeck effect of conductive mortar and its use in self-heating and self-sensing system

A new conductive aggregate was prepared by the calcination of magnetically separated fly ash and used to form a mortar containing carbon fiber. The electrical resistivity, electro-thermal properties, and Seebeck effect of the mortar were studied. The prepared mortar has good electrical conductivity and electro-thermal effects, which facilitate its use as a thermal actuator. Furthermore, the greater Seebeck effect would allow the mortar to be used as a temperature sensor. Based on these properties of the mortar, a smart self-heating and self-sensing system was fabricated, which was found to be capable of measuring temperature accurately, maintaining a set temperature, and operating reliably.