Dual-function MIL-53(Al) incorporated cement composites for strength reinforcement and antibacterial activity

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Civil Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Traditional cementitious materials lack inherent antimicrobial properties.
• Enhancing mechanical performance and introducing bioactivity are key challenges in cement research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an antimicrobial cement with superior mechanical properties.
• To investigate the effect of incorporating MIL-53(Al) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) into cement matrix.

Main Methods:

• MIL-53(Al) MOFs were synthesized and characterized (XRD, SEM, HR-TEM, BET/BJH).
• Cement pastes with varying MIL-53(Al) dosages (0.1-1 wt%) were prepared and tested for workability, setting time, compressive strength, and antibacterial activity.
• Microstructural analysis (XRD, SEM/EDX) was performed on the composites.

Main Results:

• MIL-53(Al) incorporation reduced workability but accelerated setting times.
• A 0.5 wt% dosage of MIL-53(Al) increased compressive strength by 43.8% (1 day) and 50.0% (28 days).
• The modified cement demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonella typhi.

Conclusions:

• MIL-53(Al) acts as a filler and nucleation agent, enhancing cement hydration products like tobermorite, hydrogarnet, and strätlingite.
• These hydration products contribute to a denser matrix, improved load transfer, and enhanced mechanical performance.
• The developed MOF-cement composite offers a promising solution for applications requiring both mechanical integrity and antimicrobial properties.