Scientists at Nagoya University have created an innovative resin-based material that can seal rock fissures even with seismic activity. This discovery, motivated by the process of natural fossilization, can significantly extend the lifespan of sealed structures and minimize costly maintenance and repairs.
“I realized that well-preserved fossils in concretions had withstood weathering and the like for tens to hundreds of thousands of years in the natural environment,” said Hidekazu Yoshida, the lead researcher. “I became inspired by studying how fast concretions were formed and why the fossils were preserved so well.”
The resin’s unique characteristics mimic the way organic matter naturally forms calcite concretions, a process that has preserved fossils for millions of years. The resin efficiently fills and closes gaps in rock, forming an impenetrable barrier by mixing two chemicals that cause rapid calcite crystal formation upon contact with water.
The resin’s efficacy was rigorously tested in an underground laboratory 350 meters beneath Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, known for its seismic activity. During testing, the region experienced six earthquakes over two days. Remarkably, the resin maintained its seal throughout these events and exhibited a self-healing capability, resealing any cracks caused by the tremors.
“Such a fast-acting and sustained sealing effect of rock fractures, including post-earthquake crack repair, has never been reported. Conventional cement materials cannot achieve this result,” added Yoshida. This unparalleled resilience distinguishes the concretion-forming resin from traditional cement-based sealants, which often fail under similar geological stresses.
There are numerous applications for this idea. In addition to safely disposing of hazardous waste, researchers are looking at using carbon dioxide to seal fractures in concrete structures, which could increase the lifespan of buildings and other infrastructure. Epoxy can also be used to seal off abandoned oil wells, strengthen and stabilize mine shafts and tunnels, and manage groundwater while maintaining aging infrastructure like roads and buildings.
Additionally, the resin’s self-healing properties could be used to repair and protect ancient structures and artifacts from weathering and erosion. The research team is collaborating with the Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Sekisui Chemical Co., and Chubu Electric Power Co., Ltd to bring the resin to market.
Globally, remarkable fossils are often discovered encased within solid, spherical rocks known as concretions, formed by the precipitation of mineral cement within the spaces between sediment particles. They are commonly found in sedimentary rocks or soil. Earlier, Nagoya University researchers discovered that concretions form rapidly, within months to years, helping to protect fossils quickly.