Exploring the Effect of a Cement-Based Self-Healing Additive (CS) on the Durability of Cementitious Materials

The study prepares a cement-based self-healing additive (CS) intended to improve concrete’s damage resistance. It examines how different CS dosages affect cement hydration and the resulting hydration products using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermal analysis. Mechanical and durability-related behavior is assessed with compressive strength tests and load damage self-healing tests. Pore structure changes in cement paste are evaluated using mercury intrusion testing. The results indicate that CS dosage does not change the types of hydration products, but an appropriate CS amount improves micro pore structure by reducing harmful pores and decreasing the most probable pore diameter. Under load, when microcracks form, CS promotes formation of hydration products inside the material to fill microcracks, enhancing self-healing performance. The authors suggest this approach for improving microcracks and durability of marine concrete structures.