Enhancing electrical performance of cement-based materials with acetylene carbon black for paste, mortar and concrete applications

Cement-based materials are widely used in infrastructure but are inherently electrically insulating, limiting their application in smart and multifunctional systems. Enhancing their electrical conductivity without compromising mechanical strength is crucial for emerging applications such as structural health monitoring and energy-efficient infrastructure. This study examines the influence of acetylene carbon black (ACB) addition on the electrical and mechanical properties of cement-based materials, including cement paste, mortar, and concrete. The primary objective is to enhance the electrical conductivity of these composites while maintaining acceptable compressive strength for structural applications. Comprehensive evaluations were conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrical resistivity measurements, and compressive strength tests. The findings revealed that ACB significantly improved the electrical properties of all composites. At 28 days, the resistivity of cement paste without ACB decreased from 80.65 to 40.69 Ω·m with ACB addition. Mortar exhibited a significant reduction from 193.57 to 33.11 Ω·m. Concrete showed a substantial decrease from 919.53 to 344.00 Ω·m. The ball milling method for cement paste + ACB improved dispersion and further enhanced conductivity. Overall, ACB incorporation offers a balanced approach to developing multifunctional cement composites with enhanced electrical and mechanical properties. These materials show promise for applications in self-sensing, de-icing, and electromagnetic interference shielding in infrastructure.