Evaluating the self-healing capacity of textile-derived cellulose in cementitious compositesShow others and affiliations
2026 (English)In: Journal of Sustainable Cement-Based Materials, ISSN 2165-0373, E-ISSN 2165-0381Article in journal (Refereed) Epub ahead of print
Abstract [en]
Cracking remains a primary durability challenge in concrete infrastructure, particularly in water-retaining and marine environments. This study evaluates recycled textile-derived cellulose as a sustainable self-healing agent for cementitious composites. Specimens with 0–5% cellulose replacement underwent controlled surface cracking and internal mechanical damage, with healing quantified over 28 days via optical microscopy, micro-CT, mechanical testing, and microstructural characterization. Results demonstrated that 2% cellulose incorporation was the optimum dosage, enhancing both surface and internal healing. Surface crack closure was 10.46% for narrow cracks and 4.87% for the control, while internal healing efficiency achieved 22.1% compared to 11.8% for plain mortar. Micro-CT revealed a 61.2% reduction in elongated crack-like voids, and compressive strength recovery peaked at 123.5%. SEM/EDS identified C-S-H, calcium carbonate, and calcium hydroxide precipitation, driven by cellulose-mediated internal curing and fiber bridging. The hydrophilic cellulose network sustains crack repair through internal moisture retention, without external healing agents.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Taylor and Francis Ltd. , 2026.
Keywords [en]
Cellulose, cement, crack, micro-CT, microscopy, self-healing
National Category
Composite Science and Engineering Bio Materials
Research subject
Building Materials
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-117525DOI: 10.1080/21650373.2026.2671347ISI: 001762709200001Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-105038351708OAI: oai:DiVA.org:ltu-117525DiVA, id: diva2:2062321
Note
Full text license: CC BY 4.0;
Funder: Australian Research Council
2026-05-252026-05-252026-05-25Bibliographically approved