3D-printed mini-vascular networks for self-healing lime-based mortars

De Nardi, Cristina, Gardner, Diane ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2864-9122 and Jefferson, Anthony ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2050-2521 2024. 3D-printed mini-vascular networks for self-healing lime-based mortars. Presented at: Cardiff University Engineering Research Conference 2023, Cardiff, UK, 12-14 July 2023. Published in: Spezi, Emiliano and Bray, Michaela eds. Proceedings of the Cardiff University Engineering Research Conference 2023. Cardiff: Cardiff University Press, pp. 44-47. 10.18573/conf1.k

Preview

PDF - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (446kB) | Preview

Abstract

Climate change is exposing our built heritage to greater and more extreme hazards. Historic masonry repair technologies must evolve in response to these, promoting a new, long-term resilient preservation strategy. Drawing inspiration from the study of mini-vascular networks to develop self-healing in concrete structures, this work proposes the use of biomimetic mini-mini vascular networks (m-MVNs) for repairing cracks in lime-based mortars. The m-MVNs are 3D printed units formed by interconnected channels capable of storing and protecting healing agents that are released when threshold damage is exceeded. In the case where patching is required for restoration of historic masonry wall, m-MVNs are designed to fit completely within the mortar joint. Initial results demonstrated that m-MVNs printed from clear PLA, have a promising design capable of storing healing agents without leaking or premature curing. Future experiments will investigate the appropriateness of this design of m-MVNs to enclose suspensions of bacteria and deliver them to cracks.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Engineering
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) T Technology > TH Building construction T Technology > TS Manufactures
Additional Information:	Contents are extended abstracts of papers, not full papers
Publisher:	Cardiff University Press
ISBN:	978-1-9116-5349-3
Funders:	EPSRC, Leverhulme Trust
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	10 June 2024
Date of Acceptance:	2024
Last Modified:	26 Jul 2024 14:11
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/169675

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item