Chemical analogs of carbonic anhydrase for concrete repair
AssigneeWorcester Polytechnic Institute
InventorsSuzanne F. Scarlata, Ronald L. Grimm, Nima Rahbar, Rebecca Gilchrist
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Abstract
Methods and compositions are described for concrete repair using a non-naturally occurring or a synthetic catalyst. The catalyst includes an aromatic hydrocarbon having an active zinc ion configured to facilitate interaction between carbon dioxide and water and to precipitate concrete repairing calcium carbonate crystals. The catalyst is an analog of zinc cyclen, zinc and an indole-based molecule, and zinc tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (TPA).
Claims19
A non-naturally occurring catalyst for concrete repair comprising:
- an aromatic hydrocarbon having an active zinc ion configured to facilitate interaction between carbon dioxide and water and to precipitate concrete repairing calcium carbonate crystals.
A method for repairing a concrete flaw, the method comprising;
- applying a synthetic catalyst to the concrete flaw;
- and
- covering the concrete flaw with a calcium solution, wherein the synthetic catalyst precipitates calcium carbonate crystals to seal or repair the concrete flaw.
A method for making a self-healing concrete, the method comprising:
- preparing a concrete mixture comprising cement, aggregates, and water;
- and
- mixing a synthetic catalyst and a calcium source to the concrete mixture;
- wherein the synthetic catalyst precipitates calcium carbonate crystals to obtain a self-healing concrete.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.