Development of 3D Printed Networks in Self-Healing Concrete

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Civil Engineering
• Biomimetics

Background:

• Traditional cementitious materials lack inherent self-healing capabilities, leading to premature degradation and reduced service life.
• The need for sustainable construction materials necessitates innovative approaches to enhance durability and reduce maintenance costs.
• Biomimetic strategies offer promising avenues for developing materials with autonomous repair functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize 3D-printed tetrahedral mini-vascular networks (MVNs) for storing and delivering healing agents in cementitious matrices.
• To ensure MVNs protect healing agents, survive mixing, release agents upon damage, and minimally impact material properties.
• To validate the efficacy of MVNs as perfusable vascular systems for multiple damage-healing cycles in concrete.

Main Methods:

• Systematic investigation to determine optimal MVN form and material composition.
• 3D printing of tetrahedral MVNs.
• Embedding MVNs filled with sodium silicate into concrete specimens for experimental testing.

Main Results:

• Optimized MVNs successfully protected healing agents and survived the concrete mixing process.
• MVNs filled with sodium silicate demonstrated effective damage response and perfusability in concrete.
• Healing agents delivered via MVNs to cracked zones resulted in significant recovery of strength, stiffness, and fracture energy.

Conclusions:

• 3D-printed MVNs represent a viable biomimetic approach for creating self-healing cementitious materials.
• The developed MVN system functions as a reliable reservoir for healing agents, enabling multiple repair events.
• This technology holds potential for extending the lifespan and improving the sustainability of concrete structures.