Patents by Inventor Nima Rahbar

Nima Rahbar has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230192548
    Abstract: Methods for repair of cracks and niches in concrete using carbonic anhydrase embedded in a gelatin, hydrogel, or other aqueous matrix are provided. A durable corrosion resistant concrete mix containing carbonic anhydrase is provided, as are methods of making and using the durable corrosion resistant concrete. Corrosion resistance and durability derive from decreased porosity compared to concrete without the enzyme, conferring decreased access of deleterious materials such as chloride ions to interior portions of the concrete.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Shuai Wang, Nima Rahbar, Suzanne F. Scariata
  • Publication number: 20230117517
    Abstract: Materials and methods for a rapid and effective way to create a carbon negative self-healing construction material are described. The construction material uses sand aggregates, a trace amount of catalyst, a small dosage of scaffolding material with a crosslinking agent, and a calcium source. The curing is performed at a high temperature for a short period or at room temperature for a long period. The catalyst-driven method to bridge the sand particles results in a dense, stiff, strong, and tough structural material, which upon exposure to calcium source and CO2 heals itself repeatably.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Nima Rahbar, Suzanne F. Scarlata, Shuai Wang
  • Publication number: 20230105378
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for concrete repair using a non-naturally occurring or a synthetic catalyst. The catalyst includes an aromatic hydrocarbon having an active zinc ion configured to facilitate interaction between carbon dioxide and water and to precipitate concrete repairing calcium carbonate crystals. The catalyst is an analog of zinc cyclen, zinc and an indole-based molecule, and zinc tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (TPA).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2022
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Inventors: Suzanne F. Scarlata, Ronald L. Grimm, Nima Rahbar, Rebecca Gilchrist
  • Patent number: 10647617
    Abstract: An aqueous solution of carbonic anhydrase and calcium chloride is contacted with a cementitious surface defining at least one opening or fissure in the presence of ambient carbon dioxide to thereby cause the calcium chloride and carbon dioxide to react, whereby calcium carbonate precipitate from the solution and seals the opening or fissure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Nima Rahbar, Suzanne Frances Scarlata, Jessica Anne Rosewitz
  • Publication number: 20180244585
    Abstract: An aqueous solution of carbonic anhydrase and calcium chloride is contacted with a cementitious surface defining at least one opening or fissure in the presence of ambient carbon dioxide to thereby cause the calcium chloride and carbon dioxide to react, whereby calcium carbonate precipitate from the solution and seals the opening or fissure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: Nima Rahbar, Suzanne Frances Scarlata, Jessica Anne Rosewitz