Electrical impedance-based evaluation of self-healing degree in cement composites with biological admixtures

Abstract

The present study aims to explore the potential of using electrical impedance measurements for evaluating the self-healing degree in cement composites incorporating biological admixtures. Four different carbon-based conductive fillers such as carbon black, carbon nanotube, carbon fiber, and graphene were employed in the cementitious composites to ensure the electrical conductivity in the composite samples. The applicability of carbon-based fillers for evaluating selfhealing degree was assessed by comparing the present electrical impedance-based evaluation with the self-healing degree quantitatively obtained from microscopic images and the regain in compressive strength. The samples containing carbon nanotube or graphene were shown to have satisfactory self-healing capacities, as evidenced by the restoration of electrical conductivity and the regain in compressive strength.