EFFECT OF GRAPHITE POWDER ADDITIVES ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY IN BLAST FURNACE SLAG-BASED ALKALI-ACTIVATED MORTARS

In this study, the effect of graphite powder additive on mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of alkali-activated mortar samples produced using blast furnace slag was investigated. In the preparation of the mortar samples, graphite powder in (75) micron size was substituted at a rate of 0%-0.5-1%, 2% and 4% by weight of the binder. Sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate were used as activators in the mortar samples produced with Blast Furnace slag, and the samples were thermal cured at 110⁰C for 24 hours. Workability, unit weight, electrical conductivity, tendencies and compressive strength of all mortar samples that completed the curing period were determined. In addition, experiments were carried out to determine the water absorption and void ratios of the samples that gave the best results in the cementitious system activated with alkalis. The results obtained showed that the workability of the graphite powder was improved at 1% reinforcement rate in the mortar samples activated with alkalis, and it had a negative effect at the rates above 1%. It was understood that 1% graphite powder additive contributed positively to flexural and compressive strengths, while 4% graphite powder additive contributed provided the highest electrical conductivity.