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

This work presents the development of an antimicrobial cement with enhanced mechanical performance through the incorporation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) into the cement matrix. MIL-53(Al) was synthesized in the laboratory and thoroughly characterized using XRD, SEM, HR-TEM, and BET/BJH analyses. Cement pastes were then prepared by introducing MIL-53(Al) at dosages of 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 1 wt%. The resulting composites were evaluated in terms of workability, setting time, compressive strength, and antibacterial activity. The findings revealed that the addition of MIL-53(Al) reduces workability while accelerating both initial and final setting times. Mechanical testing demonstrated that a dosage of 0.5 wt% yields the most favorable results, increasing compressive strength by 43.8% after 1 day and 50.0% after 28 days of curing compared to the neat paste. Furthermore, the modified cement exhibited strong antibacterial performance against various strains, including Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonella typhi. Microstructural analyses using XRD and SEM/EDX confirmed that MIL-53(Al) plays a critical role as a filler and nucleation agent, promoting the formation of beneficial hydration products such as tobermorite, hydrogarnet, and strätlingite. These phases enhance matrix densification and load transfer, leading to improved mechanical performance.