Benha University

Ibrahim Galal Ibrahim Shaaban

Prof. Emeritus

Faculty of Engineering, Shoubra Civil Engineering

The Efficiency of Calcium Oxide on Microbial Self-healing Activity in Alkali-Activated Slag (AAS)

Applied Science • 2024
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Publication Information
Authors Hammad, N., El-Nemr, A., and Shaaban, I. G.
Keywords alkali-activated slag; self-healing; microbial self-healing; bacteria; Bacillus subtilis; calcium oxide
Journal Applied Science
Publisher MDPI
Volume 14
Issue 5299
Pages 17
publication.type International
Paper Link Open Link
Supplementary Materials Not Available
Abstract
Alkali-activated slag (AAS) materials are one of the most promising sustainable construction composites. These novel materials are highly characterized by their improved mechanical and durability properties. Nevertheless, the high shrinkage rate hinders their full-scale applications. The low Ca/Si ratio, complex hydration process, and fine pore microstructure are the main causes of the reported shrinkage behavior. This study introduces Bacillus subtilis culture for healing the cracking behavior. The enzymatic action leads to precipitating calcium carbonate crystals that fill AAS cracks and pores. Incorporating calcium oxide has been recommended in multiple studies. The main purpose of adding calcium oxide is to enhance the engineering properties of AAS and provide more calcium ions for the biochemical reactions induced by the added bacteria. However, inconsistent findings about the influence of calcium oxide have been reported. This research provides further insights into the effect of calcium oxide (CaO) on the performance of microbial self-healing efficiency in AAS composite. The results highlight that incorporating calcium oxide as 7% of the binder partial replacement has an impact on the engineering properties of bio-AAS materials. The study recommends correlating the percentage of free calcium ions within the AAS mixture with the microbial activity.
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