Abstract
Microcapsule-based self-healing concrete chronically suffers from rheology deterioration and hydration stagnation due to the hydrophilic and hygroscopic nature of microcapsules, limiting its efficacy and broader application. To address these issues, a novel hydrophobic nano-SiO2-modified epoxy resin (ER)@ethyl cellulose (EC) microcapsule was developed and characterized. Examinations revealed that both 5 % and 7 % SiO2-modified ER@EC microcapsules displayed favorable fundamental properties for cement-based materials, featuring high core contents (53.08 % and 48.04 %) and water contact angles over 90°. Compared to the unmodified capsules, the incorporation of 7 % SiO2-modified capsules prominently enhanced the rheology and hydration exotherm of fresh cement pastes, attributed to floc disassembly caused by electrostatic repulsion and increased water volume induced by replacement and ball-bearing effects. Moreover, incorporating a 4 % dosage of 5 % SiO2-modified capsules exhibited prominent healing efficiencies of 6.14 % for compressive strength and 35.11 % for chloride diffusion resistance. The hydrophobic nano-SiO2-modified ER@EC microcapsules actively improved rheology and hydration exotherm while preserving the ability to self-heal cracks in cement-based materials.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
