In the quest for sustainable construction materials, a groundbreaking study led by Gonzalo Mármol from the Eduardo Torroja Institute for Construction Science (IETcc-CSIC) in Madrid, Spain, has unveiled a novel approach to enhancing the early-age strength of magnesium-based cementitious systems. Published in ‘Case Studies in Construction Materials’, the research delves into the potential of CO₂ reactor-curing, offering a promising avenue for the energy sector to reduce its carbon footprint while boosting the performance of construction materials.
Mármol and his team focused on MgO-based cements, which have long been touted for their eco-friendly properties but have struggled with slow strength development. By exposing these cements to pressurized CO₂ curing, the researchers discovered a significant boost in compressive strength, particularly in systems with higher water-to-cement ratios. This finding could revolutionize the production of prefabricated construction materials, enabling faster turnaround times and reduced energy consumption.
The study revealed that CO₂ curing alters the hydration pathway, promoting the transformation of brucite into amorphous and crystalline magnesium carbonates. This process, while beneficial for strength development, also disrupts the silicate network, limiting the formation of magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H) gel. “Carbonation curing significantly improves compressive strength, particularly in 100% MgO systems with higher water-to-cement ratios and in M-S-H systems within the first 24 hours,” Mármol explained. This insight could steer future research towards optimizing the reactivity of SiO₂ under carbonation, potentially leading to even more robust and sustainable cementitious materials.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. By accelerating the strength development of Mg-based cements, CO₂ curing could reduce the energy-intensive processes typically required for traditional cement production. This not only lowers operational costs but also aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change by capturing and utilizing CO₂ emissions.
Moreover, the study’s findings on the formation of hydrated magnesium carbonates open new doors for the energy sector. These carbonates, formed during the carbonation process, could potentially be used in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, further enhancing the sector’s sustainability credentials.
As the construction industry continues to seek greener alternatives, the work by Mármol and his team at the Eduardo Torroja Institute for Construction Science offers a beacon of hope. By harnessing the power of CO₂ curing, the industry could move closer to achieving its sustainability goals while delivering high-performance construction materials. The research, published in ‘Case Studies in Construction Materials’, is a testament to the innovative spirit driving the field forward, paving the way for a more sustainable future in construction.