Title: Study on the self-healing law of cracks in borehole-sealing materials based on mineralisation reaction

Authors: Leilei Si; Tongyu Zhao; Jianping Wei; Banghua Yao; Yiran Zhu; Boyang Zhang

Addresses: School of Safety Science and Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, Henan 454003, China; State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for Gas Geology and Gas Control, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, Henan 454003, China ' School of Safety Science and Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, Henan 454003, China; State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for Gas Geology and Gas Control, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, Henan 454003, China ' School of Safety Science and Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, Henan 454003, China; State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for Gas Geology and Gas Control, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, Henan 454003, China ' School of Safety Science and Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, Henan 454003, China; State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for Gas Geology and Gas Control, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, Henan 454003, China ' School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia ' School of Civil Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, Henan 454003, China

Abstract: Gas disasters threaten coal mine safety, necessitating effective sealing methods for gas extraction. This study proposes self-healing borehole-sealing (SHBS) material based on complexation-precipitation principles to address traditional grouting's limitations caused by secondary cracks. Experiments revealed SHBS achieved self-healing in 24 h for 0.82 mm cracks and 48 h for 1.49 mm cracks. Comparative analyses (SEM/XRD/Raman) showed SHBS contains unique minerals like wollastonite and cancrinite alongside conventional hydration products. Self-healing products primarily consist of calcium carbonate, quartz, albite, and anorthite formed through carbonation and secondary hydration. Reaction equations explain carbonate/silicate/aluminate formation mechanisms. The material demonstrates potential for enhancing gas drainage efficiency by sustaining seal integrity through autonomous crack repair, offering a promising solution for prolonged mine safety. [Received: July 15, 2024; Accepted: July 31, 2025]

Keywords: crack self-healing; gas extraction; grouting sealing; self-healing products; carbonation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJOGCT.2026.153882

International Journal of Oil, Gas and Coal Technology, 2026 Vol.40 No.1, pp.18 - 42

Received: 06 Jul 2024
Accepted: 31 Jul 2025
Published online: 29 May 2026 *

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