Feasibility study on self-sensing and anti-corrosion integrated cement-based composite materials: Microstructure characterization, anti-corrosion and self-sensing properties

This study proposes an innovative integration of reinforcement corrosion protection and self-sensing monitoring of steel corrosion degree using an intelligent functional cement-based composite. A systematic feasibility investigation was conducted on a newly designed cementitious material possessing both corrosion inhibition and self-sensing capabilities. The experimental program included assessments of workability, mechanical properties, anti-corrosion performance, self-sensing behavior under axial compression, corrosion sensing sensitivity, and microstructural characteristics. Key variables included type and content of conductive fillers, water-binder ratio, reinforcement ratio, and electrified corrosion duration. The findings indicated that it is basically feasible to realize the integration of steel corrosion protection and corrosion self-sensing monitoring based on the new cement-based composite material with both reinforcement corrosion protection and self-sensing functions. When the carbon fiber content reached 1.5%, it exhibits excellent self-sensing sensitivity. If 1.5% carbon fiber and 2.0% nickel powder are additionally mixed, it would have excellent anti-corrosion performance for reinforcing bars. Specifically, the intelligent functional cement-based composite material can effectively achieve rust prevention of reinforcing bars and also self-sensing monitoring of the steel-bar corrosion degree through the resistivity change rate. Research showed that as the electrified corrosion duration increased, the self-sensing performance of cement-based composite material showed a pattern of first enhancing and then weakening. However, this function can only be realized under the condition of the compression of reinforcing bars and the cement-based composite material together. This study can provide an innovative solution for the intelligent protection and health monitoring of coastal infrastructure and open up new ideas for research and application in related fields. • This study innovatively proposed a new idea of integrated anticorrosion and monitoring based on intelligence-function cement-based composite materials. • This study innovatively developed a new cement-based composite material with both reinforcement anti-corrosion function and self-sensing function. • This study verified the feasibility of the new idea of integrating anti-corrosion and monitoring based on intelligence-function cement-based composite materials through experiments. • It innovatively revealed the influence mechanism of reinforcement ratio on the self-sensing ability of intelligent functional cement-based composite materials under axial compression.