Self-sensing properties of fly ash geopolymer composite with graphite filler

Building materials with enhanced electrical conductivity are of great interest as smart materials for the last two decades. These materials bring new functionalities to ordinary structures such as self-sensing and self-heating properties or electromagnetic shielding. This paper deals with the self-sensing properties in compression of the fly ash geopolymer composite with graphite filler. The self-sensing properties of this composite are compared with the properties of the plain geopolymer. The results showed that the addition of 10% of graphite powder decreased the resistivity of the geopolymer by three orders and improved the sensitivity of the electrical response to the applied compressive stress. On the other hand, it significantly deteriorated its mechanical properties and decreased compressive strength by approx. 50%.