Effect of moisture on the electrical properties of silicate composites

This work deals with study on the dependence of electrical properties on the moisture content in silicate composites. The theoretical part contains information about the electrical properties of cement-based and alkali-activated binders, as well as knowledge on moisture parameters and the presence of moisture in the material structure. Samples of cement-based mortars and alkali-activated slag with a graphite powder in the range of 0–18 per cent by weight were produced and quartz sand was used as filler in the experimental part. The samples were provided with copper electrodes and saturated with water after hardening. The electrical properties of the mortars were monitored by means of impedance spectroscopy during the gradual drying of the samples. The effect of microstructure has been studied using scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The results indicate that a significant increase in electrical resistance occurs only when the relative sorption humidity content is below 20 per cent in the 40–5000 Hz frequency range