ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the micromechanics modeling of nanomodified cement-based composites, in particular carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced composites. It addresses micromechanics approach for the modeling of the overall electrical conductivity of these composites. Computational micro-macro-mechanics aims at determining the relationship between the microstructure and the macroscopic response of composite structures. The theoretical framework utilized for the mechanical homogenization serves as basis for the modeling of the electrical transport properties of CNT-reinforced. The physical origin of the electron-hopping mechanism is a quantum tunneling effect that defines the penetration or tunneling of an electron through a potential barrier. The chapter discusses the suitability of mean-field homogenization theory for incorporating physically meaningful variables of the microstructure, such as filler topology, filler distribution, waviness, and agglomeration effects. It utilizes the basis of mechanical homogenization for modeling of the electric transport properties of CNT-reinforced composites.
