Microorganism, Carriers, and Immobilization Methods of the Microbial Self-Healing Cement-Based Composites: A Review

Materials (Basel). 2021 Sep 6;14(17):5116. doi: 10.3390/ma14175116.

Abstract

Low tensile strength, poor elastic modulus, and complex concrete cracking work condition are almost unavoidable due to the intrinsic brittleness. To deal with concrete maintenance and durability, microbial self-healing concretes have been rapidly developed and widely applied recently. The microbial self-healing can specifically patch fractures as well as boost the concrete structure's capacity, durability, and permeability. This paper presents the state-of-the-art in the microbe induced self-healing in cement-based composites. The microorganism and carriers were classified according to the working theory and repair effects. Additionally, the precise efficiency and effect of various technologies are also evaluated for microbial immobilization. Based on the literature review and summary from the perspective of microorganism, carriers, and immobilization methods, challenges and further works are discussed.

Keywords: cement-based composites; microbial immobilization; microbial-induced carbonate precipitation; microorganism carrier; performance evaluation; self-healing.

Publication types

  • Review