Bio-inspired Polymeric Additive for Strength and Deformability Enhancement of Cementitious Composites

Reference #: 00924

The University of South Carolina is offering licensing opportunities for an in situ biopolymer reinforcing agent for use in stronger, better performing cement mortar.

The subject invention involves the successful incorporation of a bio-inspired additive in the mix design of cement pastes, yielding an average increase in compressive strength and axial deformation at peak load in excess of 75% and 110%, respectively. This enhancement in performance can be attributed to the strong chemical bond between the polymer’s functional groups and the metal oxides within the cementitious matrix as well as the inherently higher strength of the polymeric fibers themselves.

1. Requires a low addition of biopolymer (0.5% weight of cement) which is 1/100^th of the mass required by the best performing polymer admixture, while still yielding better performance

2. Lower costs for structural repairs due to smaller mass requirement

• Admixture in patching mortars for structural repair and restoration

• Structural applications in autoclaved aerated concrete, light-weight cellulose concrete, quick-setting cement, etc.