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>>> Scientists create earthquake-proof resin that seals rocks, heals cracks


Interesting Engineering

by Aman Tripathi

4-22-24


https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/scientists-create-earthquake-proof-resin-that-seals-rocks-heals-cracks/ar-BB1mQBSz?OCID=ansmsnnews11


Researchers from Nagoya University have developed a revolutionary resin-based material that has demonstrated unprecedented capabilities in sealing cracks in rocks, even in the face of seismic activity.

This groundbreaking innovation, inspired by the natural fossilization process, holds the potential to transform various industries, from nuclear waste management to infrastructure maintenance.

Their innovation, a “concretion-forming resin,” not only seals cracks and fractures in rock but also demonstrates an unprecedented ability to self-heal after seismic events.

Inspiration from nature’s fossilization process

The resin’s ability to self-heal is particularly noteworthy, as it can potentially extend the lifespan of sealed structures and reduce the need for costly maintenance and repairs.

“I realized that well-preserved fossils in concretions had withstood weathering and the like for tens to hundreds of thousands of years in the natural environment,” said Hidekazu Yoshida, the lead researcher.

“I became inspired by studying how fast concretions were formed and why the fossils inside were preserved so well.”

The resin’s remarkable properties stem from its emulation of the natural formation of calcite concretions around organic matter, a process that has preserved fossils for millennia.

By mixing two agents that trigger rapid calcite crystal formation upon contact with water, the resin effectively fills and seals voids in rock, creating an impenetrable barrier.

Rigorous earthquake strike testing

The resin’s efficacy was rigorously tested in an underground laboratory situated 350 meters beneath Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, a region renowned for its seismic activity.

Interestingly, the area experienced six earthquakes over two days during testing.

Notably, the resin maintained its seal throughout these events and exhibited a self-healing capability, resealing any cracks that formed due to the tremors.

This unparalleled resilience sets the concretion-forming resin apart from conventional cement-based sealants, which often fail to withstand such geological stresses.

“Such a fast-acting and sustained sealing effect of rock fractures, including post-earthquake crack repair, has never been reported before. Conventional cement materials cannot achieve this result,” added Yoshida.

The future of resin sealing

The implications of this innovation are far-reaching, extending beyond the safe disposal of hazardous waste and carbon dioxide.

The researchers are exploring the possibility of using the resin to seal cracks in concrete structures, which could significantly improve the durability and longevity of buildings and other infrastructure. It could be used to reinforce and stabilize tunnels and shafts in mines.

The resin will also prove invaluable in sealing abandoned oil wells, managing groundwater, and repairing aging infrastructure such as roads and buildings.

Additionally, the self-healing properties of the resin can be utilized to repair and protect ancient structures and artifacts from weathering and erosion.

To bring the resin to market, the research team is now collaborating with the Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Sekisui Chemical Co., and Chubu Electric Power Co., Ltd.

Concretions are found worldwide

Globally, remarkable fossils are often discovered encased within solid, spherical rocks known as concretions.

They are formed by the precipitation of mineral cement within the spaces between sediment particles. They are commonly found in sedimentary rocks or soil.

Earlier, Nagoya University researchers had discovered that concretions form rapidly, within months to years. The fast formation of concretions helps to quickly protect fossils.

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