Title: Use of biomineralisation in developing smart concrete inspired by nature

Authors: Bin Zhang; Zeynep Basaran Bundur; Paramita Mondal; Raissa Douglas Ferron

Addresses: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 205 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA ' Department of Civil Engineering, Ozyegin University, 34794, Cekmekoy, Istanbul, Turkey ' Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 205 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA ' Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 301 East Dean Keaton Street C1748, Austin, TX 78712, USA

Abstract: Recently, interest has focused on leveraging the biological functions of microorganisms to develop smart cement-based materials. This paper provides an overview of the calcium carbonate biomineralisation process in nature and presents a review of the work conducted by various groups around the world on biogenic calcium carbonate formation as it relates to the hydration, microstructure, properties, and performance of cement-based materials. Promises and concerns of applying biomineralisation in cement-based materials are also discussed, and directions for future research are explored.

Keywords: biomineralisation; self-healing; bio-inspired materials; smart concrete; microorganisms; calcium carbonate; hydration; microstructure; properties; material performance; cement-based materials.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMSI.2015.071109

International Journal of Materials and Structural Integrity, 2015 Vol.9 No.1/2/3, pp.39 - 60

Published online: 12 Aug 2015 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article