Effect of Super Plasticizers on Fresh and Hardened State Properties of Short Carbon Fiber Reinforced Electrically Conductive Concrete

Abstract

This study enlightens the influence of superplasticizers (SP) on the dispersion and distribution of carbon fibers in the carbon fiber reinforced concrete (CFRC) cast with a low w/c ratio. The effectiveness of Polycarboxylate ether (PCE) based SP in the enhancement of workability of concrete and deagglomeration of carbon fibers in CFRC has been studied extensively in this study. The effect of PCE based SP on the compressive strength properties and electrical properties of the CFRC were also studied. The microstructure of the CFRC specimens was also analyzed to study the impact of SP on the deagglomeration of carbon fibers in CFRC. It was observed that the inclusion of carbon fibers in the dry concrete mixes without SP showed a negative effect on the functional properties of concrete whereas the inclusion of SP in the CFRC mixes improved the mobility and viscosity of the CFRC mixes. The fresh and hardened state properties were effectively enhanced with the use of SP in the CFRC mixes. The magnitude of decrease in electrical resistance was better in SP based CFRC resulting in more electrical conductivity. The microstructure of the CFRC indicated improvement in the distribution of carbon fibers in SP based CFRC.