Evaluation of microbially induced carbonate precipitation in repairing process of cement mortars by Raman spectroscopy

Abstract

The use of microorganisms that stimulate the precipitation of carbonates, which can fill the cracks that form in the structure of cementitious composites [MICP], has been gaining interest in recent years as an alternative method of self-healing of these materials. This article analyses the effectiveness of surface application of repair agents composed of zeolite NaX and bentonite, Bacillus subtilis bacteria spores and cementing solutions [precursors of precipitation reactions] as a method of repairing cracked cement mortar surfaces. The effects of this method were evaluated by image analysis and microstructure studies of precipitates precipitated under controlled conditions and on the surfaces of healed composites. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to characterize the microstructure. The conducted tests confirmed the precipitation of carbonates in the breakthrough of the healed cracks [maximum 31.9% occupation of the surface by the precipitate produced], which proves the effectiveness of the MICP process incident, at the same time indicating the participation in the mechanism of abiotic precipitation of crystalline forms present in the cementing solutions. Additionally, the effectiveness of using Raman spectroscopy to characterise the surface of the cement composite and the carbonates precipitated by microorganisms was confirmed.