Use of gasification char and recycled carbon fibres for sustainable and durable low-resistivity cement-based composites

• Published in: Journal of Building Engineering 2022-06, Vol.50, p.104237, Article 104237
• Main Authors: Mobili, Alessandra, Cosoli, Gloria, Bellezze, Tiziano, Revel, Gian Marco, Tittarelli, Francesca
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon-based additions; Construction materials; Durability; Electrical resistivity; Gasification char; Recycled carbon fibres
• ISSN: 2352-7102; 2352-7102
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2022.104237

In this paper, a newly developed cement and two recycled carbon-based materials, namely gasification char (GCH) and recycled carbon fibres (RCF), were used to manufacture new sustainable and low-resistivity cement-based composites. GCH was added at 0.5% and 1.0%, whereas RCF at 0.2%, on the total mortar volume. Microstructural, mechanical, electrical, and durability properties were studied. Results show that both additions decrease the electrical resistivity of mortars up to 90%, without impairing their mechanical properties. Moreover, they slightly reduce drying shrinkage and capillary water absorption of mortars, by decreasing total porosity and the average pore diameter, for the benefit of durability. •Gasification char (GCH) and recycled carbon fibres (RCF) were added to mortars.•GCH and RCF decrease electrical resistivity of mortars.•GCH and RCF decrease capillary water absorption and shrinkage of mortars.•The best performing mortar is prepared with GCH at 0.5 vol% and RCF at 0.2 vol%.•GCH and RCF provide durable low-resistivity mortars.