Piezoresistive behaviour of alkali-activated aluminosilicate binder

Abstract

Numerous studies have been conducted to prove the sensing application of self-sensing concrete, composite materials with conductive fillers incorporated into the matrix. Geopolymers are synthetic amorphous inorganic polymers which can offer comparable performance to cementitious materials, hypothetically exhibits the potential of self-sensing. The objective of the present study is to develop self-sensing geopolymer composite by proper tailoring of matrix, addition of fillers and modification of fiber-matrix interface respectively. The study enlightens the superior piezoresistive mechanism in geopolymer matrix through various experiments such as impedance analysis, hall effect measurements, and microstructural analysis. Additionally, the significance of current research resides in the strategic use of nanofillers. Better self-sensing performance was obtained by altering the fiber matrix interface and microstructure with nano fillers. The study establishes that the piezoresistive mechanism is determined by the material's mechanical, electrical, and structural properties. Following on from this newfound insight, it is possible to develop geopolymer composites with excellent self-sensing performance.