Faculty Publications

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Author: search.filters.author.Gopal, M.Subject: search.filters.subject.Self-healing

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    Long-lasting Bacillus safensis CG1 and Bacillus cereus DKBovi-5 based coconut shell biochar spore composites as self-healing additives for bio-mortar production
    (Elsevier B.V., 2024) Anoop, P.P.; Palanisamy, T.; Gupta, A.; Gopal, M.
    The major challenge in the production of bio-mortar lies in the effective storage of immobilised bacterial carriers. This study explores the effective storage and use of coconut shell biochar as a carrier for bacterial spores. Bacillus safensis CG1 and Bacillus cereus DKBovi-5 were immobilised in biochar and stored at 4 °C and 25 °C for 120 days. The storage at 4 °C showed enhanced viability, and Field Emission Gun Scanning Electron Microscopy studies revealed the firm adherence of bacterial spores within the biochar pores, attributed to the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances. Biochar-based spore composites stored at 4 °C were subsequently added as self-healing additives in mortar. Mechanical, self-healing, and microstructural evaluations demonstrated that the biochar with Bacillus cereus DKBovi-5 exhibited superior results. Cracks up to 0.888 mm were healed within 56 days, indicating enhanced healing efficiency, as supported by higher ultrasonic pulse velocity and a lower resistivity ratio. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller 20-point adsorption-desorption analysis showed that biochar with Bacillus cereus DKBovi-5 mix possessed the smallest pore width of 3.086 nm. Additionally, Field Emission Gun Scanning Electron Microscopy- Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analyses confirmed the formation of biogenic calcium carbonate in the healed regions. Overall, the biochar composite with Bacillus cereus DKBovi-5 showed significantly improved performance compared to Bacillus safensis CG1 and is recommended as a long-lasting self-healing additive for large-scale construction applications. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.
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    Macro and microstructure evaluation of self-healing cement mortar enhanced with microbe-immobilized hemp fiber
    (Elsevier Ltd, 2025) Chaudhary, P.; Palanisamy, T.; Gupta, A.; Gopal, M.
    Sustainable construction materials are gaining attention in structural engineering to improve performance and reduce environmental impact. This study presents an eco-friendly composite of hemp fiber-reinforced cement mortar with self-healing bacteria, aimed at improving mechanical properties and crack repair efficiency. Microbe immobilized fiber enhanced (MIFE) cement mortar was developed by incorporating dormant bacterial spores of Priestia megaterium and Bacillus licheniformis through the mixing water, with hemp fibers serving as carrier medium. The MIFE mortar was tested at various fiber content levels, specifically 0 %, 0.5 %, 1 %, and 1.5 % by weight of cement, to evaluate its structural efficacy through comprehensive compressive strength tests, strength regain assessments, water absorption analysis, and detailed microstructural evaluations. The results revealed a significant 22 % increase in compressive strength with 1 % hemp fiber content, attributed to enhanced particle cohesion and reduced microstructural voids. The fiber's ability as a carrier to uniformly facilitate calcite precipitation also led to a notable 4.31 % reduction in water absorption. Morphological studies of CaCO3 from healed cracks in biomortar specimens demonstrated that the bio-environment and microbial interactions significantly influenced calcite polymorph formation, with vaterite crystals showing improved mechanical integrity and reduced chemical reactivity. The present study underscores the potential of microbe-immobilized hemp fibers as a green reinforcement option in cementitious materials, offering improved mechanical performance, self-healing capabilities, and environmental sustainability. These findings also align with the increasing focus on bio-based composites in the evolution of structural engineering, complementing the industry's shift toward sustainable construction materials. © 2025 Institution of Structural Engineers