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Journal article
Self-healing mechanism and crack-filling performance of multifunctional bacteria-laden fiber (bioFiber) in cementitious matrix
Materials and structures, v 59(4), 215
01 May 2026
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Abstract
This study investigates the self-healing mechanism and crack-mitigation behavior of multifunctional bacteria-laden fibers (bioFibers) embedded in a cementitious matrix. Each bioFiber comprises a polymeric core, an endospore-laden alginate hydrogel sheath, and an outer protective shell, enabling localized microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICCP) under wet/dry cycles. Quantitative and microstructural analyses (optical imaging, TGA, SEM, XRD) demonstrate that bioFibers achieve up to 99 ± 4% crack filling for 120–150 μm cracks and sustain measurable healing of 31 ± 7% even beyond 300 μm. Crystal phase evolution indicates a transformation from vaterite to calcite between 7 and 21 days, while TGA confirms progressive calcium carbonate formation from 15 ± 1% to 55 ± 3% over 28 days. These findings highlight bioFiber’s effective crack-filling capability, healing potential, and adequate fiber–matrix bridging effect, demonstrating its promise for robust self-healing cementitious composites.
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Details
- Title
- Self-healing mechanism and crack-filling performance of multifunctional bacteria-laden fiber (bioFiber) in cementitious matrix
- Creators
- Mohammad Houshmand (Corresponding Author) - Drexel University, Civil, Architectural, and Environmental EngineeringAli Rahmaninezhad - Drexel UniversityChristopher M. Sales - Drexel University, C. and J. Nyheim Plasma InstituteCaroline L. Schauer - Drexel University, Materials Science and EngineeringAhmad Najafi - Drexel University, Mechanical Engineering and MechanicsYaghoob Amir Farnam - Drexel University, Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering
- Publication Details
- Materials and structures, v 59(4), 215
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Number of pages
- 25
- Grant note
- Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation: 2029555
The work presented here has been supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF CMMI-2029555) and was performed at Drexel University in the Advanced Infrastructure Materials (AIM) Lab. Further, the authors acknowledge the MCC RRID: SCR_022684 support on the material characterization experiments. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- C. and J. Nyheim Plasma Institute; Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering; Materials Science and Engineering; Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001754033000001
- Other Identifier
- 991022176275904721