Influence of PZT insertion on Portland cement curing process and piezoelectric properties of 0–3 cement-based composites by impedance spectroscopy

0–3 Cement-based piezoelectric composites were produced. It was verified that not only the piezoelectric properties of the composites, but also the influence of piezoelectric phase in the cement paste curing process. The results showed that the final piezoelectric and dielectric properties of the composites depend mainly on the interfacial microstructure between the matrix and the piezoelectric insertion. DC conductivity and impedance spectroscopy measurements showed a high sensitivity to the identification of retard hydration process or phase transformations. Piezoelectric properties show ageing fluctuations, attributed to the cement curing process which promoted unstable dipoles at the same time that it promoted piezoelectric phase constriction.