Construction of new conductive networks for expandable graphite-based cement composites via a facile heat treatment process

Electro-thermal applications of cement composites are restricted by their poor conductivity. This study expands the homogeneously distributed graphite inside the matrix via a facile heat treatment process to form new conductive networks, thus endowing the cement composites with excellent conductivity. The obtained cement composites exhibit excellent electro-thermal performance and reliable cyclic heating properties. The average surface temperature of the composite is approximately 417 °C under 20 V, with uniform heat distribution. The surface temperature of the composites can be controlled by the expanded graphite content and applied voltage. Furthermore, the obtained cement composite melts 150 g ice cubes in 12 min under 12 V, thus exhibiting excellent deicing performance. The excellent electro-thermal performance facilitates the usage of cement composite in Joule heating applications, such as indoor climate control, pavement deicing, and cooking, thus considerably broadening the applications of cement and concrete composites for a sustainable and resilient future.