Dielectric property enhancement of glass fiber-reinforced concrete via TiO2 nanocomposites

This study addresses the critical gap in traditional glass fiber-reinforced concrete (GFRC), which lacks tailored electrical properties for modern energy-related applications. We introduce a novel approach by incorporating a TiO2-based hybrid composite (TiO2-@) into GFRC to develop multifunctional composites with enhanced dielectric, mechanical, and energy storage capabilities. Experimental results demonstrate that TiO2-@ doping at 2 % concentration achieves the most significant improvements: a dielectric constant increase to similar to 420 at 100 Hz (compared to similar to 180 for undoped GFRC), capacitance enhancement to 71 pF at 100 Hz (versus 18 pF in the reference), and AC conductivity elevation by 205 % after aging. The 2 % TiO2-@ sample also exhibited a Leeb hardness increase to 486 HLD (from 159 HLD pre-aging), highlighting its structural robustness. Frequency-dependent analyses revealed modified polarization mechanisms and charge transport dynamics, with Cole-Cole plots and impedance spectroscopy confirming reduced capacitive reactance and enhanced interfacial interactions. These results establish TiO2-@ as a transformative additive for GFRC, bridging the gap between structural performance and energy functionality. The work pioneers the integration of TiO2 nanocomposites into cementitious matrices, offering a dual-purpose material for smart construction systems and embedded energy storage devices.