CNT-based Multifunctional Concrete for High Speed Railway

Abstract

This study is to investigate the feasibility of CNT (Carbon Nano Tube) increasing the thermal conductivity and strength of cementitious composites in order to build and apply multi-functional concrete to a high speed railway. The test parameters include CNT concentration, input voltage, and curing age. Specimens are prepared by varying concentrations of CNT by the weight of cement. Two different manufacturing processes are considered for CNT cementitious composite specimens. The first method utilizes CNT-coated sand while the other makes use of aqueous CNT solution. An electric current is applied to the specimen in order to generate heat and the elevated temperature is measured using thermocouples. The measured thermal conductivity from CNT cementitious composites are compared to that of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) specimens. Furthermore, all specimens are loaded to determine their compressive strengths. Both strength and temperature results are presented.