Preparation of a novel foamed concrete modified with carbon fiber and graphite:

Abstract

In this paper, foam concrete is modified using graphite and carbon fiber as absorbents. The mechanical properties of the foam concrete are analysed in conjunction with hydration products, pore size distribution based on SEM test and XCT test. Further, the resistivity, complex permittivity and complex permeability are tested. The results demonstrate that carbon fiber enhance the proportion of pores with diameters less than 200µm in foam concrete, thereby substantially enhancing its flexural strength. Besides, adding graphite offsets the initial retardation of sulfoaluminate cement hydration induced by carbon fibers, which increases the average pore size of carbon fiber-reinforced foam concrete, reducing the compressive strength. The addition of carbon fibers at a concentration of 0.6wt.% achieves the percolation threshold, akin to scenarios with singular fiber incorporation. Exceeding 2wt% graphite content results in negligible influence on the conductivity of the carbon fiber-reinforced foam concrete.