Sibbt Jabbar, Dalya Hameed, Imad Disher,
Volume 21, Issue 0 (3-2024)
Abstract
Geopolymer/nano carbon black composite is a promising electrically conductive smart material that can be used in self-heating and self-sensing applications. This paper studies the effect of adding nano carbon black to the physical, mechanical, electrical, and electrothermal performance of metakaolin-based geopolymer. Carbon black was added at the percent of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by weight of metakaolin; the compressive strength was tested at various ages of 7, 14, 28, and 90 days, and the electrothermal performance was tested using AC and DC voltages. The results showed that a compromise between suitable compressive strength and high electrothermal conversion could be achieved when a specific balance between the carbon black percent and the lowest water content is established. A composite with a compressive strength of 27 MPa and stable electrothermal performance reaching 142°C at 9V DC can be prepared using 20 wt% of carbon black and a water-to-metakaolin ratio of 0.549, which is used as a smart material in construction applications.
