Enhancing electrical performance of cement-based materials by acetylene carbon black addition: applications in paste, mortar, and concrete

This study examines the influence of acetylene carbon black (ACB) addition on the electrical and mechanical properties of cement-based materials, including cement paste, mortar, and concrete. The primary objective is to enhance the electrical conductivity of these composites while maintaining acceptable compressive strength for structural applications. Comprehensive evaluations were conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrical resistivity measurements, and compressive strength tests. The findings revealed that ACB significantly improved the electrical properties of all composites. At 28 days, the resistivity of cement paste without ACB decreased from 80.65 Ω·m to 40.69 Ω·m with ACB addition. Mortar exhibited a significant reduction from 193.57 Ω·m to 33.11 Ω·m, while concrete showed a substantial decrease from 919.53 Ω·m to 344.00 Ω·m. The ball milling method for cement paste + ACB improved dispersion and further enhanced conductivity. Overall, the incorporation of ACB in cement-based materials offers a balanced approach to developing multifunctional composites with enhanced electrical and mechanical performance, making them suitable for applications such as self-sensing, de-icing, and electromagnetic interference shielding in infrastructure projects.