Mechanical and Durability Investigation of Composite Mortar with Carbon Microfibers (CMF)

This paper investigates the mechanical properties and the durability implications of innovative cement-based mortars doped with carbon microfibers. In particular, mixes with different amounts of carbon additions are produced, and the properties of fresh and hardened samples are analyzed through work...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Antonella D’Alessandro, Filippo Ubertini
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-03-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/7/2773
_version_ 1797212894436261888
author Antonella D’Alessandro
Filippo Ubertini
author_facet Antonella D’Alessandro
Filippo Ubertini
author_sort Antonella D’Alessandro
collection DOAJ
description This paper investigates the mechanical properties and the durability implications of innovative cement-based mortars doped with carbon microfibers. In particular, mixes with different amounts of carbon additions are produced, and the properties of fresh and hardened samples are analyzed through workability, water absorption, and compressive and flexural tests under specific environmental conditions. These composites can be employed to enhance construction performance or provide structures with strain-monitoring capabilities. However, the analysis of their mechanical properties and their durability behavior is needed before extensive structural use. In this work, the preparation procedure is defined for the various mix designs, considering different amounts of carbon microfibers; then, fresh properties are evaluated, and different types of samples formed. After various curing times, the specific rheological and hardened properties of the specimens are tested in different conditions to consider the durability of the composites, essential for the real-scale adoption in structural elements. Preliminary electrical and sensing tests are first conducted to evaluate the monitoring potential of the investigated composites. The findings highlight the impact of carbon inclusions on the performance of cement-based mortars, offering valuable insights for their utilization in masonry construction or for repairing concrete structures. In particular, sensing capabilities are found to be highly enhanced by the presence of CMF. Additionally, the results of this research pinpoint key areas for further analysis in the material’s development process.
first_indexed 2024-04-24T10:49:38Z
format Article
id doaj.art-27a54b4ce24e4e508836228c13267700
institution Directory Open Access Journal
issn 2076-3417
language English
last_indexed 2024-04-24T10:49:38Z
publishDate 2024-03-01
publisher MDPI AG
record_format Article
series Applied Sciences
spelling doaj.art-27a54b4ce24e4e508836228c132677002024-04-12T13:14:47ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172024-03-01147277310.3390/app14072773Mechanical and Durability Investigation of Composite Mortar with Carbon Microfibers (CMF)Antonella D’Alessandro0Filippo Ubertini1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Perugia Via G. Duranti, 93, 06125 Perugia, ItalyDepartment of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Perugia Via G. Duranti, 93, 06125 Perugia, ItalyThis paper investigates the mechanical properties and the durability implications of innovative cement-based mortars doped with carbon microfibers. In particular, mixes with different amounts of carbon additions are produced, and the properties of fresh and hardened samples are analyzed through workability, water absorption, and compressive and flexural tests under specific environmental conditions. These composites can be employed to enhance construction performance or provide structures with strain-monitoring capabilities. However, the analysis of their mechanical properties and their durability behavior is needed before extensive structural use. In this work, the preparation procedure is defined for the various mix designs, considering different amounts of carbon microfibers; then, fresh properties are evaluated, and different types of samples formed. After various curing times, the specific rheological and hardened properties of the specimens are tested in different conditions to consider the durability of the composites, essential for the real-scale adoption in structural elements. Preliminary electrical and sensing tests are first conducted to evaluate the monitoring potential of the investigated composites. The findings highlight the impact of carbon inclusions on the performance of cement-based mortars, offering valuable insights for their utilization in masonry construction or for repairing concrete structures. In particular, sensing capabilities are found to be highly enhanced by the presence of CMF. Additionally, the results of this research pinpoint key areas for further analysis in the material’s development process.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/7/2773smart cement mortarscarbon microfibersrheological and mechanical propertiesfresh and hardened cementitious materialsdurabilityconcrete building materials
spellingShingle Antonella D’Alessandro
Filippo Ubertini
Mechanical and Durability Investigation of Composite Mortar with Carbon Microfibers (CMF)
Applied Sciences
smart cement mortars
carbon microfibers
rheological and mechanical properties
fresh and hardened cementitious materials
durability
concrete building materials
title Mechanical and Durability Investigation of Composite Mortar with Carbon Microfibers (CMF)
title_full Mechanical and Durability Investigation of Composite Mortar with Carbon Microfibers (CMF)
title_fullStr Mechanical and Durability Investigation of Composite Mortar with Carbon Microfibers (CMF)
title_full_unstemmed Mechanical and Durability Investigation of Composite Mortar with Carbon Microfibers (CMF)
title_short Mechanical and Durability Investigation of Composite Mortar with Carbon Microfibers (CMF)
title_sort mechanical and durability investigation of composite mortar with carbon microfibers cmf
topic smart cement mortars
carbon microfibers
rheological and mechanical properties
fresh and hardened cementitious materials
durability
concrete building materials
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/7/2773
work_keys_str_mv AT antonelladalessandro mechanicalanddurabilityinvestigationofcompositemortarwithcarbonmicrofiberscmf
AT filippoubertini mechanicalanddurabilityinvestigationofcompositemortarwithcarbonmicrofiberscmf