Researchers developing self-healing concrete05 December 2018
University of Cambridge researchers are using microencapsulation technologies developed by Dolomite Microfluidics to develop self-healing construction materials.
The Department of Engineering’s Geotechnical and Environmental Research Group is developing microcapsules containing ‘healing’ agents – such as minerals, epoxy or polyurethane – that can be added to building materials to allow self-repair of small cracks which develop over time.
Dr Livia Ribeiro de Souza (pictured), a postdoctoral researcher in the group, explains that many composite building materials used in the construction industry, such as concrete, suffer fatigue over time, developing small cracks.
“We are hoping to overcome this problem by adding microcapsules filled with ‘healing’ agents to the concrete before it is used,” she says. “The idea is that, as cracks begin to form, they rupture the microcapsules, releasing their payload and stabilizing the material.
“This approach requires the formation and functionalisation of double emulsion microcapsules, which we have been producing with the help of microfluidics. We have been using a Dolomite Microfluidics system since 2014.”
The Dolomite system has enabled the researchers to create functionalised microcapsules that bind more strongly to the cement matrix, while also having thinner shell walls and higher core retention, improving their self-healing properties.
Livia concludes: “It is good to be able to discuss any issues we’re having with the experts at Dolomite Microfluidics, helping to accelerate our research and move us a step closer to real world applications.”
Adam Offord
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