Pacific Northwest National Lab develops self-healing cement
Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a cement that is able to ameliorate itself, which could potentially save millions of dollars in repair costs and reduce downtime on facilities. PNNL chemist Carlos Fernandez discovered that by adding polymers to cement before it is poured and cured, the cement is able to recover when cracks occur. Significantly, the cement can continuously self-heal, repairing itself many times over while maintaining integrity.
When geothermal wells are made using PNNL-developed self-healing cement, cracks and breaks in the well can heal automatically. This technology has the potential to eliminate excavation, repair, and replacement costs associated with cracked cement wells. Credit: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

With an average life span of 30-40 years, the cement around geothermal production wells eventually cracks over time. Because wells with cracked cement are vulnerable to leakage, reduced strength, and corrosion, it's important to repair them in a timely fashion. However, repairs can easily top $1.5 million dollars; the cost of new materials, excavation, installation, and halting power production adds up fast.

Researchers at PNNL developed cement that can heal itself when cracks occur. Using self-healing cement for geothermal wells would save geothermal plants millions of dollars and would reduce the amount of downtime necessary for repairs.

Super to the Power of Three

PNNL chemist Carlos Fernandez and his team discovered that by adding a strong and flexible and powerful ingredient, called polymers, they could create self-healing cement. Naturally found in the human body, plant structures, and more, these large, chain-like molecules work to hold substances together. The team discovered by mixing in 5 to 20 percent of man-made polymers into typical cement before it is poured and cured, the cement can repair itself when cracks occur.

PNNL's research team has successfully proven this cement can repair itself in a few days, and they predict it has the potential to heal itself in just a matter of hours. Just as impressive, is the cement's projected ability for continuous self-healing, meaning it can repair itself many times over and maintain the rheological and mechanical properties necessary for geothermal wells.