Self-Sensing Properties of Metakaolin Geopolymer with Carbon Nanotubes under Compressive Loading

Increased capability of alkaline activated binders to transfer the electric charge became an attractive issue in research related to multifunctional materials with self-sensing, self-heating and other progressive properties. This study is focused on self-sensing properties of metakaolin geopolymer mortars with 0.05 and 0.10% carbon nanotubes under repeated compressive loading. Specimens incorporated with copper electrodes were subjected to two different regimes of compressive loading with continuous monitoring of strain and electrical resistance. Both reference and modified geopolymer mortars have shown good response to applied loading, yet the differences in sensitivity and structural deformations were observed