Mimicking Oyster Reefs to Generate Cements with Enhanced Performance

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new class of biomimetic polymer-modified cements (PMCs) inspired by the unique adhesive used by oysters to construct reef structures. For this novel cement, unlike traditional Portland cement which is energy-intensive to produce and weak in tension or conventional PMCs that often compromise compressive strength, its biomimetic approach yields a superior material. The material surpasses commercial masonry sealant benchmarks and, when added to a commercial mortar mix, substantially increases both adhesion and compressive strength. This innovation provides a promising and potentially more sustainable alternative to conventional cement materials.

Technology Validation:

The methacrylate polymers performed well when phosphates were added, with p(MePhos-MeAc-MeNaAc) having the highest adhesion of 5 ± 2 MPa (or 4.6 ± 1.7 MPa). Elmer's Glue-All achieved a bonding of 1.1 ± 0.3 MPa, and Loctite Super Glue was 4.9 ± 0.5 MPa for these conditions. These results show that the phosphate-functionalized, sodium-containing methacrylate polymer p(MePhos-MeAc-MeNaAc) had nearly similar strength to the commercial counterparts.

Advantages:

-Enhanced performance in adhesion and compressive strength

-Sustainable approach

Applications:

-High-performance mortars and concrete

-Specialty adhesives and sealants

-Sustainable building materials

TRL: 3

Intellectual Property:

Keywords: Biomimetic polymer-modified cements, PMCs, oyster adhesive-inspired cement, high-performance mortars, sustainable cement materials, specialty adhesives, specialty sealants, enhanced adhesion, increased compressive strength, sustainable building materials