Electrically conductive composite materials with incorporated waste and secondary raw materials

Silicate composites have very low conductivity in general. It is possible to achieve an electrical resistivity decrease by adding an electro-conductive filler. The conductive mixture consists of cementitious binder, various types of silica sand, and graphite-based conductive fillers. One of the research focusses is partial substitution of ordinary raw materials by alternative components (waste materials by-products and secondary raw materials) and its influence on composite properties. The alternative components studied were fly ash as a partial binder replacement, waste graphite from two different sources and steel shavings as a substitute for conductive filler. Resistivity of cured conductive silicate-based specimens was analysed in relation to changes in physico-mechanical properties in context of microstructural changes in the hardened cementitious matrix (by optical and scanning electron microscopy with energy disperse analysis). Partial substitution of cement by fly ash was found to reduce the electrical resistivity of the composite. Some of the waste graphite fillers significantly reduce the resistivity of the cement composite and increase the compressive strength. It was proven, that is possible to replace primary conductive fillers by secondary raw materials.