Characterization of carbonate reaction products from CO2 utilization in concrete

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A significant portion of global carbon dioxide emissions is generated by the manufacture of cement. As such, CarbonCure Technologies has pursued the industrial use of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the manufacture of concrete products in order to beneficially utilize these emissions in products that offer sustainability and improved mechanical properties. However, the reaction mechanisms of CO2 with hydrating cement are not fully understood, and therefore the optimization and use of these products cannot move forward. This project, in collaboration with CarbonCure Technologies, will seek to characterize and understand the carbonate reaction products observed in different binder systems with high chemical and spatial sensitivity. In particular, by using Atom Probe Tomography (which is only available in Canada at McMaster University), a three-dimensional map of the carbonate reaction components can be generated on the atomic length scale. Interpretation of the data acquired in this advanced technique will formulate conclusions about the product location, morphology and composition, thereby contributing to deeper understanding of the impact of CO2 on concrete strength and setting time. This work will enable the company to interpret the conflicting mechanical strength data they are faced with presently, leading to optimization of the manufacturing process. The benefits to the Canadian economy and environment are clear; a deeper understanding of the reaction mechanisms will enableCarbonCure to expand their market of precast and ready-mix cementious products on the market, while mitigating and increasing the capture capacity of harmful CO2 emissions.