Researchers Use Fungus to Create Self-Healing Concrete

Crack in Concrete DrivewayDo you have an old concrete driveway that’s starting to crack from years and wear and tear? At this point, you might be thinking about tearing it up and repaving it with fresh concrete.

But what if we told you a group of scientists is developing a new “self-healing” concrete that could stop small cracks from becoming huge fissures?

Recently, researchers from New York’s Binghamton University teamed up with Ning Zhang of Rutgers University to create a new kind of concrete that uses fungus to repair itself. By incorporating the fungus Trichoderma reesei into their concrete mix, the researchers were able to create paved surfaces that automatically re-seal themselves as small cracks develop.

The fungal spores lay dormant at first, but as soon as micro-cracks start to form in the concrete, the spores spring into action by mixing with water and oxygen to create calcium carbonate, a hard chemical compound that seals these tiny cracks before they become any larger.

The researchers are still perfecting their product, so you won’t be able to take advantage of it just yet. But at some point in the not-so-distant future, you might be able to repave your driveway or sidewalk with a new type of concrete that is extremely resistant to cracking. Who would’ve thought that a fungus could make concrete even more durable than it already is?

Ready to revitalize that crumbling old driveway? Our mobile mixers and buggy trucks make it easy and affordable to repave concrete surfaces such as patios, driveways and more. Give us a call to schedule your appointment today!

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