• KSBB Journal
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.114-118
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• 1999

In order to use a polysaccharide, curdlan, as a concrete admixture, we first developed a pilot-scale fermentation process for the mass production of curdlan. We also examined the rheological properties of curdlan, and tested how well the curdlan obtained in this work increased the segregational resistance of the cement slurry. Fermentation was performed in a 300-liter fermenter equipped with 3 disk-turbine impellers. Since curdlan production is stimulated under nitrogen-limiting conditions, the culture pH was shifted from the optimal pH for cell growth (pH 7.0) to the optimal pH for curdlan production (pH 5.5) at the onset of ammonium exhaustion. We obtained a curdlan production of 65 g/L in 120 hr batch cultivation of Agrobacterium species. The insoluble curdlan at the final stage of fermentation was readily harvested by centrifugation together with the cells. The freeze-dried sample contained 78% (w/w) of curdlan. The solubility and viscosity of the curdlan increased with the increase of the solution pH, which enhances the viscosity of concrete since the pH of concrete is extremely high (pH 13.0). Test results of the curdlan as a concrete admixture with cement slurry demonstrated that it prohibits the leakage of water. In conclusion, this work certifies and enlarges curdlan's industrial potential as a concrete admixture.

• Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering:BBE
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.112-116
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• 2001

The production of extracellular polysaccharide, EPS WN9, from Paenibacillus sp. and its suitability as a viscosity modifying admixture for cement mortar mixing were investigated. After 48h culture in an optimized medium, cell growth and EPS production were 1.2g/L and 4.0g/L, respectively. By adding EPS WN9 to mortar, it was possible to prepare a homogeneous mortar without material segregation and excess air entrapment. The optimal amount of EPS addition to mortar found to be 0.02 to 0.05%(w/w) of the cement used. Increasing the dosage of EPS WN9 from 0 to 0.05%(w/w) resulted in a setting retardation of 0.14h to 0.8h and an increase in the compressive strength of mortar of 10 to 20%.