Electrical Conduction Behavior of Cement-Matrix Composites

As structural materials, cement-matrix composites have received much attention in terms of their mechanical properties, but relatively little attention in terms of their electrical conduction properties. Nevertheless, the electrical properties are relevant to the use of the structural materials for non-structural purposes such as sensing and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. The ability to provide non-structural functions allows a structural material to be multifunctional, thus saving cost and enhancing durability. Furthermore, the electrical properties shed light on the structure of the materials, particularly concerning the interfaces in the composite materials. Therefore, for both technological and fundamental reasons, the electrical properties of cement-matrix composites are of interest and constitute the subject of this review. This review addresses the resistive, piezoresistive, thermoelectric, and electromagnetic behavior of cement-matrix composites.