Author: Shuai Wang
Advisor: Nima Rahbar
Category: Graduate
Abstract/Description:
Our previous project has explored a method to develop a self-healing mechanism in a cementitious matrix using trace amounts of the enzyme Carbonic Anhydrase (CA). CA catalyzes the reaction between Ca2+ ions and atmospheric CO2 to create calcium carbonate crystals with similar thermomechanical properties as the cementitious matrix. This method is capable of self-healing cementitious samples with millimeter-scale flaws within 24-hours. Thus, we develop a functional and enzyme catalyze sand slurry materials (ECM) in the same enzymic method, which performs twice the order of the mechanical properties of cement mortars and other building materials.