Dispersion of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Using Polyvinylpyrrolidone for Application in Cement - Based Composites to Enhance Electrical Conductivity

The purpose of this study is to analyse the effective method of dispersion of MWCNTs for the application in cement-based composites. Efficient dispersion of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) is one of the most challenging and crucial aspects for the application in cement-based composite. In this study, two different CNTs, pristine and functionalized (p-MWCNTs and f-MWCNTs) were dispersed in de-ionized water using different surfactants, Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP k-30 and PVP k-90) & Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) and conducted a comparative investigation of the effects. Dispersion using an ultrasonic, treatment with surfactant and integrated method of both were analysed. The influence of CNTs dispersion on the electrical conductivity of the aqueous solution and to cement composites has been studied. Among the surfactant used PVPk-30 provide the best-dispersing effect while PVPk-30+SDS shows an extraordinary enhancement of conductivity of an aqueous solution. Analysis of electrical conductivity of V