In the quest to extend the lifespan of concrete structures and curb carbon emissions, a team of researchers from Ghent University has made a significant stride. Led by Tim Van Mullem at the Magnel-Vandepitte Laboratory, the team has explored the potential of knotted shape memory polymer (k-SMP) fibres to enhance the durability of cementitious mortar. Their findings, published in the journal *Developments in the Built Environment* (which translates to *Advances in the Built Environment*), offer a promising solution for the energy sector and beyond.
Concrete structures, while robust, are not impervious to cracks. These tiny fissures can accelerate degradation mechanisms, compromising the structure’s integrity and reducing its lifespan. “Cracks compromise durability by accelerating degradation mechanisms,” Van Mullem explains. “Extending the service life of concrete structures is increasingly important in the effort to reduce carbon emissions.”
Enter shape memory polymer fibres. These innovative fibres shrink upon thermal activation, inducing crack closure. However, until now, the influence of SMP fibre addition on the durability performance of cementitious materials has remained largely unexplored. Van Mullem and his team set out to change that.
Their study embedded knotted SMP fibres in mortar specimens and assessed durability through water flow testing, chloride diffusion, and carbonation measurements. The results were promising. Following thermal activation, SMP specimens achieved perfect sealing efficiency, while reference samples continued to leak water even after 14 days of wet/dry cycling. The reduced crack widths in the SMP specimens also limited the ingress of chloride ions and CO2 at the crack location.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. Concrete structures are integral to energy infrastructure, from power plants to wind farms. Enhancing their durability could significantly reduce maintenance costs and extend the lifespan of these critical assets. Moreover, by reducing the need for repairs and replacements, this technology could contribute to the sector’s decarbonization efforts.
“This study opens up new possibilities for the use of SMP fibres in concrete structures,” Van Mullem says. “The superior durability performance demonstrated by the SMP series suggests that this technology could play a significant role in the future of construction.”
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and the need for sustainable infrastructure, innovations like knotted SMP fibres offer a beacon of hope. By enhancing the durability of concrete structures, we can reduce maintenance costs, extend the lifespan of critical assets, and contribute to the global effort to reduce carbon emissions. The research by Van Mullem and his team is a significant step in this direction, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
The study, “From crack closure to durability improvement of cementitious mortar with knotted shape memory polymer (k-SMP) fibres,” was published in *Developments in the Built Environment*, offering a promising solution for the energy sector and beyond.