Bio-cementation through controlled dissolution and recrystallization of calcium carbonate. (10th April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Phua, Y.J.; Røyne, A.
• Is Part Of: Construction & building materials. Volume 167(2018)
• Page Start: 657
• Page End: 668
• Publication Date: 2018-04-10
• Subjects: Enzyme induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) -- Bio-cementation -- Calcite precipitation -- Calcium lactate -- Crystal growth -- Crystal morphology -- Compressive strength; Building materials -- Periodicals; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.02.059
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-0618

Abstract

Highlights: Limestone dissolved in lactic acid was used as calcium source for bio-cementation. Consolidation of sand was achieved through enzyme induced carbonate precipitation. Solutions containing lactate gave rise to spherical shaped calcite crystals. Limestone in aggregate resulted in small, scattered precipitated calcite crystals. Abstract: We present an approach to bio-cementation of sand where the calcium source is prepared by dissolving powdered limestone (chalk) in lactic acid. Cementation is achieved through enzyme induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) with Jack Bean urease. The real-time nucleation and growth of crystals, crystal morphology and mechanical strength of consolidated samples was studied for dissolved chalk solution as well as calcium chloride (CaCl2 ) and calcium lactate solutions. Solutions containing lactate were found to yield spherical calcite crystals. The compressive strengths of consolidated samples ranged from 0.06 to 2.8 MPa, increasing with the amount of precipitated CaCO3 .