Image Analysis and DC Conductivity Measurement for the Evaluation of Carbon Nanotube Distribution in Cement Matrix

Abstract

The present work proposes a new image analysis method for the evaluation of the multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) distribution in a cement matrix. In this method, white cement was used instead of ordinary Portland cement with MWNT in an effort to differentiate MWNT from the cement matrix. In addition, MWNT-embedded cement composites were fabricated under different flows of fresh composite mixtures, incorporating a constant MWNT content (0.6 wt%) to verify correlation between the MWNT distribution and flow. The image analysis demonstrated that the MWNT distribution was significantly enhanced in the composites fabricated under a low flow condition, and DC conductivity results revealed the dramatic increase in the conductivity of the composites fabricated under the same condition, which supported the image analysis results. The composites were also prepared under the low flow condition (114 mm < flow < 126 mm), incorporating various MWNT contents. The image analysis of the composites revealed an increase in the planar occupation ratio of MWNT, and DC conductivity results exhibited dramatic increase in the conductivity (percolation phenomena) as the MWNT content increased. The image analysis and DC conductivity results indicated that fabrication of the composites under the low flow condition was an effective way to enhance the MWNT distribution.