Tunable chitosan-alginate capsules for a controlled release of crystallisation inhibitors in mortars

Plasters and renders used in historic monuments are vulnerable to degradation caused by salt weathering. Crystallisation inhibitors (molecules/ions that alter salt crystallisation) mixed into mortars have shown promising results in mitigating salt damage by inhibiting salt crystallisation, promoting salt transport to the evaporating surface, and...

Optimization of the calcium alginate capsules for self-healing asphalt

It has been demonstrated that calcium alginate capsules can be used as an asphalt healing system by pre-placing rejuvenator (healing agent) into the asphalt mix and releasing the rejuvenator on demand (upon cracking). This healing mechanism relies on the properties of capsules which are determined by the capsule preparation process. In this...

ESEM-BSE coupled with rapid nano-scratching for micro-physicochemical analysis of marine exposed concrete

Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) mortar specimens submerged in sea-water were analysed through environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) in back scattered electron (BSE) mode and nano-scratching. Results from both sets of analysis show the presence of distinct phases associated with aragonite, brucite and cement paste. Phases associated...