Swayamdipta Bhaduri
University of Alberta, Canada
Title: Bacteria can enhance mechanical strength of a porous medium
Biography
Biography: Swayamdipta Bhaduri
Abstract
A class of bacterium, S. pasteurii can mediate the precipitation of calcium carbonate crystals under the right chemical environment. These crystals can actually enter a network of pores in a porous medium and cause clogging. As a result, the structure may gain significantly in strength and exhibit superior mechanical properties. This is characterized by reduction in porosity, physical pore blockage and increase in elastic moduli. This concept may be extended to a wide array of applications like underground carbon storage and repairing fractures in fragile structures. In the present study, open foam sponges of two different grades were used as porous media mimics. We performed comprehensive material testing on samples before and after bacteria treatment and drew quantitative conclusions. We tested the samples under compressive and impact loads and characterized the modification in mechanical behavior due to pore clogging. Visual observation of the actual blockage process at the pore scale was performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and micro-CT scans. We noticed a significant change in mechanical properties. To conclude, this particular bacterium may be used as an agent to cause pore-clogging at the microscale and the idea applied to a range of applications.
