Percolation phenomena in carbon black-filled polymeric concrete

• Published in: Polymer engineering and science Vol. 40; no. 9; pp. 2101 - 2104
• Main Authors: REJON, L, ROSAS-ZAVALA, A, PORCAYO-CALDERON, J, CASTANO, V. M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01-09-2000; Wiley Subscription Services; Society of Plastics Engineers, Inc; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Buildings. Public works; Carbon-black; Concretes. Mortars. Grouts; Electrical conductivity; Exact sciences and technology; Materials; Measurement; Percolation; Polymer modified concrete and mortar, impregnated concrete; Polymers; Testing; United States; Scanning electron microscopy; Experimental result; Electrical conductivity; Percolation; Polymer concrete; Experimental study; Composite material; Carbon fiber
• ISSN: 0032-3888; 1548-2634
• DOI: 10.1002/pen.11342

Percolation in carbon black‐filled polymeric concrete, is discussed based on the measured changes in electrical conductivity and morphology of the composite at different concentrations of carbon black. The percolation threshold ranged between 6 and 7 wt% (based on resin weight) of carbon black. Above this concentration, the filler particles formed agglomerates in contact with each other, suggesting that the conduction process is nearly ohmic in nature. A power law predicted by percolation theory described the behavior of the conductivity as a function of carbon black content. Microscopic analysis showed the presence of a continuous structure formed by the polyester resin and carbon black, in which silica particles were embedded.