Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Next Materials, cilt.8, ss.100845, 2025 (ESCI)
Interest in the use of bacteria in geopolymer materials, which are one of the primary alternatives to Portland cement, has gained popularity in recent years. In this study, the activities of three Bacillus subtilis and four Bacillus cereus bacterial species were investigated and compared to enhance the physical, mechanical, and durability properties of geopolymer mortars. The bacteria were immobilized in zeolite aggregates to enhance geopolymer mortar properties. Silica fume and Class F fly ash were used as binders in the production of geopolymer mortar samples. The results show that physical properties are significantly improved by the addition of bacteria. The highest reduction in the water absorption and porosity values was observed in the mortar sample containing B. subtilis DSM 5660, which were 60.40 % and 53.65 %, respectively. The optical microscope images demonstrate almost complete crack healing of the mortar samples containing B. subtilis type bacteria. These findings highlight the potential of bacterial incorporation as an effective strategy to enhance the durability and self-healing capability of geopolymer mortars, paving the way for more sustainable and resilient construction materials.