Intrinsic Sensing Properties of Chrysotile Fiber Reinforced Piezoelectric Cement-Based Composites

Abstract

Lead-zirconate-titanate (PZT) nanoscale powder was first synthesized by the sol-gel method, then PZT and 0–3 type PZT/chrysotile fiber (CSF)/cement composite (PZTCC) wafers were fabricated after grind-mixing PZT powder with strontium carbonate and/or cement, ductile CSF in tandem with press-sintered process, respectively. The crystal structure (XRD), microstructure (SEM), piezoelectric properties after surface silver penetration, and polarization of the PZT and PZTCC wafer were investigated. Furthermore, self-sensing responses under either impulse or cyclic loading and micro-hardness toughness of PZTCC were also investigated. Results show that the incorporation of CSF and cement admixture weakens the perovskite crystalline peak of PZTCC; reduces the corresponding piezoelectric coefficient from 119.2 pC/N to 32.5 pC/N; but effectively bridges the gap on the toughness between PZTCC and concrete since the corresponding microhardness with 202.7 MPa of PZTCC is close to that of concrete. A good linear and fast electrical response against either impulse or cyclic loading of the PZTCC is achieved with their respective sensitivity, linearity, and repeatability to 1.505 mV/N, 2.42%, and 2.11%. The sensing responses and toughness of PZTCC is encouraging as an intrinsic piezoelectric sensor for real-time health monitoring of ductile concrete structures.

A state-of-the-art on self-sensing concrete: Materials, fabrication and properties

“…With the development of nanotechnology, carbon nanotubes gradually get attention from researchers, and usually is added as a second filler [6,35,36]. While other fillers such as nickel powder, polyvinyl alcohol fiber (PVA), and lead-zirconate-titanate (PZT) nanoscale powder [37,38], and carbon black are also used [39][40][41]. It is remarkable that when conductive rubber fiber is added into cementitious composite, the electrical conductivity and damping properties both have improved significantly, which means the potential application of this composites in the field of traffic detection, and structural health monitoring [42,43].…”

Preparation and Properties of Waterborne Polypyrrole/Cement Composites

“…With its low cost, simple process, excellent strength, and good compatibility, it is widely popular in the civil engineering field [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. In long service life, it is easily affected by harsh natural environment, fatigue damage, and other factors, resulting in some pernicious consequence such as deterioration and damage of internal structural materials, performance degradation, and some accidents [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. The real-time monitoring and evaluation of cement-based structure using self-sensing technology has attracted more and more attention [ 12 , 13 ].…”