Impacto del grafito como material conductor al ser añadido a la pasta de cemento para analizar su viabilidad en aplicaciones de monitoreo estructural

Abstract

This study evaluated the impact of graphite as a conductive material when incorporated into cement pastes, with the aim of analyzing its feasibility in structural monitoring applications. To this end, a systematic literature review was conducted on conductive materials used in cementitious matrices, and an experimental phase was designed based on the preparation of specimens with different percentages of graphite addition (0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, and 1.00% by weight of cement). The specimens were characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and the study was supplemented with compressive strength and water absorption tests. The results showed that the incorporation of graphite leads to a decrease in electrical resistivity and an increase in the conductivity of the cementitious matrix, associated with the formation of conductive networks and the percolation phenomenon. The conductivity values obtained, ranging from 1.67×10⁻⁴ to 1.79×10⁻⁴ (Ω·m)⁻¹, fell within the ranges reported in the literature for cementitious materials modified with carbon-based additives, which experimentally validates the observed behavior. Furthermore, it was found that graphite constitutes a low-cost alternative to other advanced conductive materials, while maintaining adequate electrical performance for potential sensing applications. It is concluded that graphite is a viable additive.