Enhanced electrical heating capability of CNT-embedded cementitious composites exposed to water ingress with addition of silica aerogel

Water ingress into heating composites can be a serious issue, having a deleterious effect on their heating performance during their service life. Herein, we present the effect of silica aerogel incorporation on stabilizing the heating characteristics of carbon nanotube (CNT)-embedded cementitious composites when the composites are exposed to water-absorbed condition. The water absorption test indicates that the incorporated silica aerogel was effective to mitigate the water ingress into the composites. A less reduction is observed in the heat generation of the silica aerogel-incorporated specimens when the heating and water-cooling are repeatedly applied to the composites. The improved heating performances of the composites incorporating silica aerogels can be attributed to the hydrophobic property of the silica aerogels. It is therefore concluded that utilization of silica aerogels in fabricating CNT-embedded cementitious composites is a viable means of enhancing the heating performance of the composites during their service life.