Speaker: Zeynep Başaran Bundur, Özyeğin University

Title: Materials inspired from nature: Bio-derived admixtures for cement-based materials

Date/Time: October 30, 2019  /  13.40-14.30

Place: FENS G032

Abstract: Interaction of microorganisms and building materials, particularly with concrete and stone, were a main topic of interest for many researchers. Initially, studies focused on degradation of concrete by organic acids, produced by microbial acidification such as microbial induced corrosion. However, the interaction of microorganisms with materials is not necessarily negative. Recent research in the field shows that microorganisms can have positive effects on cement-based materials, which could actually result with stronger materials through biocalcification. Our studies revealed that it was possible to develop smart-cement based materials that could self-heal microcracks by leveraging metabolic activity of microorganisms. Through the development of this so-called self-healing bio-based mortar, it was also possible to improve the fresh state performance of the mix. It was found that the viscosity and yield strength of cement paste could be increased by simply suspending the bacterial cells in mixing water. Depending on the application and mixing ingredient these bacterial cells could act as both self-healing agents and viscosity modifying agents. Thus, it is possible to design more sustainable cement-based materials by using bio-derived additives.

BIO: Zeynep. B. Bundur is an assistant professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Özyeğin University (ÖzÜ). Dr. Bundur received her B.S. degree at Bogazici University in 2009 and a Ph.D. in 2013 from The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin), all in Civil Engineering. Dr. Bundur joined the Department of Civil Engineering at Özyeğin University in August 2018 and has been working as a full-time assistant professor and she is the primary supervisor of Construction Materials Laboratory at ÖzÜ.

Her teaching and research focus on materials used in civil engineering applications. Trained as a civil engineer and materials scientist, she primarily focuses on the development of novel sustainable construction materials and chemical issues in cement-based materials. She directs her research with the vision of establishing an interdisciplinary research group which is recognized at national and international research area, following technological developments and the global problems of the sector. Her research mainly focuses on the material science of concrete, additive manufacturing, self-healing cement-based materials, alternative cementitious materials, geopolymers, and bio-based admixture

Contact: Emre Erdem