Innovative self-healing concrete using polycarboxylate ether: a fused deposition modeling approach with 3D-printed polylactic acid vascular networks

Abstract

 The 3D vascular to release healing materials at a specified crack  A pre-and post-healing study examined the microstructure of interior fissures  EDX analysis confirmed the consumption of Ca(OH) 2 and the generation of C-S-H  Mechanical properties and durability were restored within 28 days after damage Concrete's fracture susceptibility is due to its limited tensile strength, which can lead to cracks. Steel reinforcement is added to designated areas to address this issue, but minuscule cracks can allow liquids and vapors to infiltrate the reinforcing material, causing corrosion. Self-healing concrete can resist corrosion by mending and sealing minor cracks. This study aims to determine if fused deposition modeling (FDM) can fabricate innovative vascular networks and tubes from polylactic acid (PLA) created by using three-dimensional (3D) printing methods, and its characteristics were contrasted with those of two-and one-dimensional (2D) networks.The dimensions of the internal and exterior diameters were 4 and 5.6 mm, respectively. The researchers used a planetary ball mill to apply an organic polycarboxylate ether liquid and fly ash nanopowder to all vascular architectures. The prefabricated tubes were then incorporated into a concrete beam to enable self-repairing capabilities. The water-to-cement ratio was 0.6%; the mixture was 1 part cement, 2.16 parts water, and 2.98 other ingredients. The self-healing properties were assessed using a four-point bending test. The developed pipes can produce self-healing concrete by introducing nano fly ash particles and low-viscosity healing solutions into the blood vessel network, enabling the concrete to undergo self-repair mechanisms. The specimen that had 3D treatment restored its strength to 95% at flexural recovery.