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 ∼420 at 100 Hz (compared 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.