Synergistic effect of nickel and graphite powders on the thermoelectric properties of ultra-high-performance concrete containing steel fibers and MWCNTs

Abstract

The study investigates the influence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and conductive powders, namely nickel powder (NP) and graphite powder (GP), on the mechanical and thermoelectric properties of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). Flowability tests indicate that the addition of MWCNTs and conductive powders affects the flow diameter, with higher concentrations resulting in decreased flowability. Thermalgravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy reveal that the enhancement of the hydration reaction by 0.1 % MWCNTs in UHPC reaches saturation at this concentration. Pore structure analysis demonstrates a reduction in porosity and a denser structure upon the addition of 0.1 % MWCNTs. Mechanical tests indicate that the incorporation of 0.1 % MWCNTs enhances compressive and tensile strengths, whereas the introduction of 0.3 % MWCNTs diminishes the mechanical performance. Moreover, the electrical conductivity and thermoelectric effect are enhanced with the addition of MWCNTs and conductive powders. However, a decline in thermoelectric effect is observed when 0.3 % MWCNTs are added, although the conductivity remained high. The optimal thermoelectric performance is achieved with the combination of 0.3 % MWCNTs and 5 % NP, yielding a maximum power factor (PF) of 2148.2 μW/m·K² and a figure of merit (ZT) of 4.9 × 10⁻⁷.