Influence of polypropylene masterbatch modified with silver nanoparticles additions on the mechanical and electromechanical properties of cementitious composites

Polymer composites have long been a subject of interest to researchers due to their ability to offer distinctive advantages in design, flexibility, mechanical properties, and piezoelectric properties to structures. The present study is the first to investigate the effect of polypropylene masterbatch modified with antibacterial silver nanoparticles (AGPP) on the mechanical and electromechanical properties of cementitious composites. While AGPP decreased the compressive strength of mortars, a threshold dose of 2 % AGPP improved flexural strength and fracture toughness by 7.58 % and 4.5 %, respectively. Mortars with additives comprising 2 % AGPP have exhibited a fractional change in electrical resistivity of 75.76 % under maximum compressive stress. This is accompanied by a stress sensitivity value of 4.12 % MPa −1 and the presence of a linear error of 15.0 %. Furthermore, the mortars demonstrated a repeatability value of 88.15 % following ten cycles of loading. In the context of the construction industry, the utilization of AGPP-admixed mortars has yielded promising results in the realization of the smart cities concept. • Mechanical and electromechanical properties have been evaluated. • AGPP cement mortars show remarkable stress sensitivity. • Polypropylene modified with AgNPs was used to produce cementitious composites.