Self-healing of cracks in cement-based materials through bio-mineralization of low air-dependency microorganisms

Abstract

Microbial self-healing technology for concrete is attracting widespread attention due to its environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and sustainable attributes. Currently, microbial agents utilized in concrete exhibit a high dependence on atmospheric conditions, relying on atmospheric oxygen to activate or capture carbon dioxide from the air for the generation of carbonate ions. This paper introduces an innovative low-dependency microbial restorative aimed at augmenting the self-healing capability of concrete by nearly doubling the available carbonate ions and providing 80 % of them internally, especially targeting deep cracks. A pioneering approach was employed by combining microorganisms that rapidly produce carbon dioxide with those that expedite carbon dioxide hydration. Microbial functional components were meticulously pelletized to create core-shell structure restorative particles, featuring an outer protective layer constructed with low-alkali cement. This study investigates the mechanism through simulation and experimentation, including substrate conversion, carbon dioxide transformation, and the generation and accumulation of carbonate ions and calcium ions. Essentially, this research not only presents a path towards reduced atmospheric dependence but also provides valuable insights for comprehending the mechanism behind microbial self-healing concrete.