The use of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as de-icing agent in engineered cementitious composites (ECC)

In this study, it is aimed to prevent traffic accidents caused by icing by producing an innovative concrete pavement that is both heatable and has high ductility in order to solve the ductility and icing problems encountered in rigid pavements used in highways. For this aim, rGO-ECCs were produced by adding different proportions of Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) to Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) known for their high ductility properties. The mechanical, electrical and heating properties of rGO-ECCs in different environments were investigated. Moreover, their energy efficiencies during deicing procedure were compared. Compression test was conducted to all rGO-ECC mixtures. In addition, two-pole conductivity test was performed to measure the resistivity values of rGO-ECCs. Furthermore, heating processes were carried out by applying a carbon-based conductive liquid coating to the surface of rGO-ECCs. Heating processes were applied at room conditions (22C°) and in a cold environment test room (-33C°). The energy efficiency was calculated by measuring the temperature changes of the samples with a thermal camera. TGA-DTA, FT-IR, XRD and SEM–EDX analyses were performed to determine the microstructural properties of rGO-ECCs. Compared to the control (0.0% rGO-ECC) sample, the compressive strength of the 0.6% rGO-ECC sample decreased by approximately 26% and was determined as 52 MPa. The resistivity value of the control sample, which was 4115KΩ.cm, decreased to 49KΩ.cm with the addition of 0.6% rGO-ECC and the conductivity increased. The energy efficiency for temperature change in room (22C°) and cold ambient (-33C°) conditions was calculated as 59.7% and 86.1%, respectively, and the energy efficiency for melting 6 cm of ice in a cold environment (-33C°) was calculated as 63.1%. Finally, a cost analysis was made for ECCs. As a result, it was concluded that rGO can be used as an effective de-icing agent in ECCs.