Developing the solution of microbially induced CaCO3 precipitation coating for cement concrete

Abstract

The term of microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation or biomineralization usually link to phenomenon of self-healing in cement-based material due to metabolism bacteria. In this paper, we investigated on the water sealing performance of MICP coating for concrete surface treatment. Prepared bacterial solution (Bacillus subtilis HU58 and cement paste) was painted on cement substrate. After curing several days under high humidity condition, thin layer 0.1-0.5 mm of precipitated product could be recognized by naked eyes. Material analysis of precipitated product revealed the presence of both calcite and aragonite mineral. In addition, result of water sealing test on coated mortar specimens helped us to clarify the positive effect of the MICP coating. From that, sustainable solution of bacteria-based coating for surface treatment of concrete structure can be opened for discussion.