Development of novel self-healing concrete

using carbon nanotubes

Vujjini raghuvardhan1 Chinthala Subash2 Aduwala Vignesh3 Mohammed
Faizan4 Charan5 Mothilal Chawan1, *

1-5 B. Tech Civil Engineering Students, JBIET, Yenakpally, Hyderabad

1, *Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering Department, Yenakpally, Hyderabad

Corresponding authors: Email id: - raghuvardhanvujjini@gmail.com 1

Email id: - Mothilal179@gmail.com 1, *

Abstract:
The development of self-healing concrete has the potential to revolutionize the construction
industry by significantly reducing maintenance costs and increasing the lifespan of concrete
structures. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged as promising materials for self-healing concrete
due to their unique mechanical and electrical properties. This major project aims to develop a novel
self-healing concrete using CNTs by synthesizing and characterizing CNTs, optimizing their
dispersion within the concrete, and evaluating the resulting material's mechanical and self-healing
properties. The project's methodology involves first synthesizing and characterizing CNTs through
scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction
are some of the methods used (XRD). Then, the dispersion of CNTs in concrete will be optimized
through ultrasonic and sonication methods. Finally, the mechanical and self-healing properties of the
resulting material will be evaluated using various tests such as compression and flexural strength
tests, as well as water permeability tests to assess the material's self-healing ability. The successful
development of self-healing concrete using CNTs could lead to a significant reduction in maintenance
costs and the increased lifespan of concrete structures, making them more sustainable and resilient.
Furthermore, using CNTs in concrete could enable the creation of other high-performance
construction materials. Overall, the project's results could have significant implications for the
construction industry and contribute to the development of more sustainable and resilient
infrastructure.
(Keywords: - self-healing concrete, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), mechanical properties, electrical
properties, synthesis, dispersion, optimization, sustainability, resilience.)

Introduction:
Concrete is one of the world's most used building materials due to its strength and durability.
However, concrete structures are prone to cracking and damage over time, which can lead to
expensive repairs and even structural failure. The development of self-healing concrete has the
potential to revolutionize the construction industry by reducing maintenance costs and increasing the
lifespan of concrete structures. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged as potential materials for
self-healing concrete in recent years. CNTs possess unique mechanical and electrical properties,
making them ideal for use in structural materials. When incorporated into concrete, CNTs can
facilitate a self-healing process by filling in micro-cracks before they become larger, more severe
issues. This major project aims to develop a novel self-healing concrete using CNTs. This project will
involve the synthesis and characterization of CNTs, the optimization of their dispersion within the
concrete, and the evaluation of the mechanical and self-healing properties of the resulting material.
The development of such material has the potential to significantly improve the sustainability and
resilience of concrete structures, leading to safer and longer-lasting infrastructure. The successful
implementation of this project would have significant implications for the construction industry, as self-
healing concrete could greatly reduce the need for maintenance and repairs. Furthermore, using
CNTs in concrete could open new avenues for developing high-performance construction materials.

Literature review:

Zhang et al. (2016)

The authors of this study suggest a novel method for producing self-healing concrete using
carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Fixing concrete fissures and other damage is part of the self-healing
concrete idea, which can increase concrete's toughness and lifetime. In this, he describes the
characteristics of CNTs, such as their great strength, flexibility, and electrical conductivity, which make
them appropriate for use in self-healing concrete. They go through how to add CNTs to concrete and
how doing so can improve the material's capacity for self-healing. The study also examines the
microstructure and mechanical characteristics of concrete reinforced using CNTs. He discovered that
the presence of CNTs led to the improvement of mechanical characteristics, including a denser
microstructure, and enhanced compressive and flexural strength.

Sravanthi et al. (2021)

First, the writers discuss the idea of self-healing concrete. She continues by outlining several
techniques, such as direct mixing, spray coating, and electrospinning, for putting CNTs into concrete.
she also goes over the various ways that CNTs, such as filling up gaps and facilitating the transit of
therapeutic chemicals, might aid in self-healing. This discusses a variety of issues relating to the
mechanical and electrical characteristics, durability, and performance over time of CNT-based self-
healing concrete. She also talks about the difficulties and restrictions of employing CNTs in concrete,
including cost, aggregation, and dispersion-related problems.

Zhou et al. (2021)

The author begins by addressing the shortcomings of traditional ways to heal fractures in
cementitious materials, which frequently rely on external agents or physical treatments. They next
discuss self-healing materials and how bacterial spores and calcium lactate may be integrated into
cementitious composites to allow for self-healing. He outlines the processes utilized to develop and
evaluate self-healing cementitious composites. He also analyses the impact of several parameters on
the self-healing capacity of the composites, such as the kind and concentration of bacteria and
calcium lactate. The study's findings reveal that self-healing cementitious composites containing
bacterial spores and calcium lactate may repair fractures of a particular size, with the healing process
triggered by the presence of water in the environment.

Li et al. (2019)

incorporates carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into the cement matrix to provide a revolutionary
approach to self-healing concrete. The CNTs not only increase the mechanical qualities of the
concrete but also make it electro-conductive, allowing for the application of electrical current to boost
the material's self-healing capabilities. The author looks at the influence of CNT concentration on the
electrical conductivity and mechanical characteristics of concrete, as well as the efficacy of the
electro-conductive self-healing process. The results reveal that including CNTs increases the tensile
and compressive strength of the concrete as well as its self-healing capabilities by providing a
conductive channel for electrical current to encourage micro-crack repair. The study indicates that
electro-conductive self-healing concrete based on CNTs has significant potential for usage in civil
engineering applications where concrete structure sturdiness and lifespan are critical.

Han et al. (2021)

The study examines the effect of introducing MWCNTs (multi-walled carbon nanotubes) on
the self-healing characteristics of concrete. He investigates the effect of MWCNT concentration
influences the electrical and mechanical characteristics of concrete, as well as the MWCNTs' capacity
to promote the self-healing process. The findings show that adding MWCNTs to concrete can greatly
increase its electrical conductivity and mechanical strength, as well as stimulate self-healing by
enabling the delivery of healing chemicals to damaged areas. He also investigates the self-healing
mechanism in MWCNT-reinforced concrete and develops a model for the healing process. The
findings imply that using MWCNTs is a viable strategy for increasing concrete's self-healing
capabilities as well as its durability and lifespan in a variety of civil engineering applications.

Objectives of the project:

1. Enhancing the self-healing ability of concrete buildings to increase their durability and lifetime.

2. By eliminating the need for regular maintenance and replacement, we may create a more
sustainable and cost-effective means of restoring concrete buildings

3. Incorporating carbon nanotubes into concrete can improve its mechanical and electrical
characteristics, which can reinforce the material and allow the transmission of therapeutic chemicals.
4. Studying the underlying mechanics of concrete self-healing and how the inclusion of carbon
nanotubes might improve this process.

5. Optimizing carbon nanotube content, dispersion, and orientation in concrete to enhance their
effectiveness in facilitating self-healing.

Materials and methodology:

CEMENT:

Cement is an important component in the creation of innovative self-healing concrete with

carbon nanotubes. It is the binding ingredient that gives concrete strength and durability. In this part,
we will discuss the several types of cement that may be used in self-healing concrete, their qualities,
and how they may affect the finished material's performance. The most popular form of cement is
Portland cement, which is manufactured from a finely powdered combination of limestone, clay, and
other minerals. When water is introduced to Portland cement, a chemical process known as hydration
occurs, resulting in the development of a strong and durable substance.

AGGREGATES:

Another important ingredient in the creation of innovative self-healing concrete employing

carbon nanotubes is aggregated. It is a granular substance used in concrete as a filler to provide
volume, minimize shrinkage, and enhance mechanical qualities. In this part, we will discuss the
several types of aggregate that may be used in self-healing concrete, their qualities, and how they
may affect the finished material's performance. Recycled materials such as crushed concrete, glass,
and ceramics, in addition to natural aggregate, can be utilized as aggregate in self-healing concrete.
Recycled materials help to reduce waste while also boosting sustainability. The aggregate used in
self-healing concrete can affect its qualities such as compressive strength, permeability, and
durability. The size and form of the aggregate can also have an impact on the finished material's
workability and appearance. To obtain the necessary qualities in self-healing concrete, it is critical to
carefully select the kind and size of aggregate. Natural crushed stone, which is primarily supplied from
quarries, is the most often utilized sort of aggregate. Crushed stone comes in a variety of sizes,
ranging from small sand-like particles to massive boulders. Gravel, sand, and volcanic ash are
examples of natural aggregate.

WATER:

Water is a necessary component of concrete, especially self-healing concrete made with

carbon nanotubes. It is used to hydrate the cement and speed up the chemical processes that result
in a solid substance. In this part, we will discuss the role of water in self-healing concrete and how it
might affect the material's characteristics. The water-to-cement ratio is an important aspect in defining
self-healing concrete's strength, workability, and durability. The ideal water-to-cement ratio is
determined by the application and the desired final material qualities. Too much water can render a
material weaker and less durable, but too adequate water can make it harder to work with and impair
its capacity to self-heal. Apart from the amount of water utilized, the quality of the water used can also
influence the performance of self-healing concrete. Water impurities, such as salts, might add to the
material's degradation over time. Water can also help in the healing process. Water can, in some
situations, initiate chemical processes that lead to the repair of micro-cracks in the material. To obtain
the necessary qualities in the finished material, it is critical to understand the role of water in self-
healing concrete and carefully regulate its quality and amount.

CARBON NANOTUBES:

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are cylindrical structures composed of hexagonally organized

carbon atoms. They have a high strength, a high aspect ratio, and a large surface area, making them
appropriate for a wide range of applications. CNTs are utilized in the creation of self-healing concrete
to improve the mechanical and electrical characteristics of the concrete as well as to promote the
delivery of healing chemicals to damaged regions. CNTs can be integrated into concrete by direct
mixing, spray coating, or electrospinning. The process chosen is determined by the individual
application and the required qualities of the concrete. Nevertheless, the use of carbon nanotubes in
concrete can create significant hurdles, including cost, dispersion issues, and potential environmental
and health dangers. As a result, it is vital to carefully assess the risks and benefits of using CNTs in
self-healing concrete and to take all required safeguards.

HEALING AGENTS:

When self-healing concrete is broken, healing chemicals are added to allow it to repair itself.
Depending on the type of damage and desired features, these agents can be bacteria, chemicals,
capsules, or carbon nanotubes. When concrete is broken, microorganisms can commence a
biological self-healing process, chemicals launch a chemical process that forms solid polymer, and
capsules release healing ingredients. Carbon nanotubes act as a conduit for medicinal substances to
reach damaged regions. The use of healing chemicals to create self-healing concrete is an active
topic of study, with several novel ways being investigated.

ADDITIVES:

Plasticizers are compounds added to concrete to improve workability, lessen the quantity of
water needed for adequate hydration, and increase durability. These are often organic chemicals that
are soluble in water or oil and function as a lubricant between cement particles, lowering the quantity
of water necessary to reach a certain level of workability. This enhances not just the strength and
longevity of concrete, but also its resistance to cracking, shrinkage, and deformation. There are three
types of plasticizers: lignosulfonates, naphthalene sulfonates, and polycarboxylates. The oldest and
most prevalent form is lignosulfonates, whereas polycarboxylates are the newest and most advanced.
Plasticizers in concrete are an important technique in the building industry because they improve the
characteristics of concrete and enable more efficient and cost-effective construction.
METHODOLOGY

Literature Review:

The first stage in the process is to perform a thorough assessment of the literature on self-
healing concrete and carbon nanotubes. The literature review should concentrate on the many types
of healing agents that may be utilized in concrete, such as bacteria, chemicals, and capsules, as well
as their efficacy in encouraging self-healing. The review should also look at the qualities and
characteristics of carbon nanotubes, such as their size, structure, and strength, as well as their
prospective uses in self-healing concrete.

Experimental Design:

The next stage is to devise a set of studies to assess the performance of carbon nanotubes
as a concrete healing agent. This entails creating a mix design that incorporates carbon nanotubes
into the concrete as well as identifying the optimum carbon nanotube dose to be put into the concrete
mixture. The tests should be structured to assess the concrete's mechanical qualities, such as
compressive strength and tensile strength, as well as its healing capabilities, such as crack-healing
capability and durability.

Materials and Equipment:

The third stage is to acquire all of the supplies and equipment needed for the tests. This
entails obtaining carbon nanotubes as well as other components needed for the concrete mix, such
as cement, aggregates, and water. Moreover, specialist equipment, including testing machines for
analyzing mechanical qualities and imaging equipment for viewing fractures and healing, may be
necessary for the tests.

Concrete Mix Design:

The following stage is to create a concrete mix design that includes carbon nanotubes as a
healing agent. The mix design should include the carbon nanotubes' qualities, such as size and
strength, as well as the intended mechanical and healing capabilities of the concrete. To provide
acceptable workability and flow of the concrete, the mix design should additionally incorporate the
right dosage of superplasticizer and other admixtures.

Preparation of Samples:

When the mix design has been finalized, the concrete samples must be prepared for testing.
Measuring and batching the components, mixing the concrete according to the mix design, and
casting the samples into molds are all part of the process. To guarantee the consistency and
accuracy of test findings, the samples should be cured under controlled circumstances.
Testing and Analysis:

The manufactured samples are then tested using appropriate testing procedures to determine
the mechanical and healing qualities of the concrete. This involves determining the samples'
compressive and tensile strengths, as well as their capacity to self-heal after breaking or damage.
The test findings should be analyzed and compared to the performance of traditional concrete and
concrete with different types of healing agents.

Tests: