Self-sealing cementitious composites by gelation in-situ: an experimental and modelling study

Healable crack widths of cementitious composites are still at micro scale currently, even after specific self-healing agents like bacteria incorporated. To enlarge the size healable cracks to macro (> 1 mm), in-situ gelation strategy was adopted develop self-sealing concrete herein. This achieved by encapsulating sodium alginate which could be released then react with calcium ions generate hydrogels within cracks. The characteristics capsules were investigated, and results revealed that these endure shear stress during mixing composites, rupture when composite cracked subsequently induce gelation. Owing capsules, mortar specimens obtained capacity for sealing further simulated based on volume growth kinetics stereology. simulation generally consistent experimental in this study. sum up, modelling explorations suggested a great potential macro-scale via