TRIBOELECTRIC-FUNCTIONALIZED APCY CEMENT: SMART CORE–SHEATH YARN-BASED CEMENTITIOUS COMPOSITES FOR ENERGY-AUTONOMOUS INFRASTRUCTURE

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Advanced cementitious composites are rapidly evolving beyond traditional load-bearing functions to incorporate multifunctional smart capabilities such as self-sensing and ambient energy harvesting. These next-generation materials are designed to support intelligent infrastructure systems capable of structural monitoring, data transmission, and autonomous energy supply. This study introduces triboelectric-functionalized cementitious composites reinforced with smart core–sheath braided yarns (APCY), aiming to enable large-scale deployment of energy-autonomous and self-powered civil infrastructure.

Fabrication of Smart Core–Sheath Yarns via Braiding Technology

The APCY yarns are manufactured using advanced braiding technology to produce a core–sheath configuration optimized for mechanical durability and functional performance. A surface roughening modification applied to the guide holes significantly enhances yarn hairiness, thereby increasing effective surface contact area for triboelectric interactions. Importantly, this modification does not compromise spinning speed or production efficiency. As a result, the treated yarn achieves a 123% increase in triboelectric output voltage compared to untreated counterparts, demonstrating a substantial improvement in energy harvesting capability.

Integration into Cement Matrices and Composite Formation

The fabricated APCY yarns are embedded into cement matrices to form APCY cement composites with integrated sensing and energy functionalities. The conductive and triboelectric properties of the yarn enable mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion when subjected to external stimuli such as traffic loads, vibrations, or structural deformation. The composite structure maintains mechanical integrity while introducing multifunctionality, creating a synergistic material system suitable for smart civil infrastructure applications.

Dual Functionality: Self-Sensing and Ambient Energy Harvesting

APCY cement demonstrates dual functionality by combining structural self-sensing with ambient energy harvesting. The triboelectric mechanism allows real-time detection of strain, impact, and vibration events, enabling applications in earthquake self-sensing buildings and bridge monitoring systems. Simultaneously, harvested mechanical energy can power low-energy devices such as wireless sensors or smart streetlights. This integrated capability reduces dependence on external power sources and supports the development of energy-autonomous infrastructure networks.

Intelligent Pavement System with Deep Learning Integration

As a self-powered pavement system, APCY cement integrates deep-learning algorithms and wireless data transmission modules to achieve advanced traffic monitoring capabilities. The system demonstrates 100% accuracy in vehicle identification, speed detection, and personal recognition under experimental conditions. By coupling energy harvesting with intelligent data processing, the composite material enables real-time analytics and smart transportation management without relying on external electrical infrastructure.

Large-Scale Deployment Potential and Smart City Applications

The yarn-based cement composite exhibits strong scalability and adaptability for smart city infrastructure, including intelligent buildings, architectural systems, bridge monitoring platforms, and sports facilities. Its ability to provide both sensing and energy autonomy positions APCY cement as a transformative material for future urban environments. The combination of braiding-based fabrication, triboelectric enhancement, and AI-driven analytics establishes a foundation for sustainable, intelligent, and resilient infrastructure systems.

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#IntelligentPavement
#DeepLearningInInfrastructure
#WirelessMonitoring
#EarthquakeSensing
#SmartCities
#StructuralHealthMonitoring
#NextGenInfrastructure
#CivilEngineeringInnovation
#MultifunctionalMaterials
#SustainableInfrastructure
#AIEnabledConstruction


 

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