Carbonation Processes in Cement-Based Materials
Summary
Carbonation in cement-based materials is the chemical reaction between atmospheric carbon dioxide and the hydrated phases of cement, principally calcium hydroxide and calcium silicate hydrate, leading to the formation of calcium carbonate. This process alters pore structure, reduces alkalinity and can induce depassivation of steel reinforcement, raising durability concerns. Carbonation kinetics depend on environmental factors such as CO₂ concentration, relative humidity and temperature, as well as material parameters including porosity, curing regime and cement composition. In blended systems containing supplementary cementitious materials, changes in pore solution chemistry and microstructure modify carbonation rates and mechanisms. While carbonation can compromise structural integrity through pH lowering, it also offers a pathway for long-term CO₂ sequestration, partially offsetting emissions from cement production. Understanding the interplay between microstructural evolution, environmental exposure and service life is essential for optimising both the durability and sustainability of concrete infrastructure worldwide.
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Carbonation Processes in Cement-Based Materials publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in carbonation processes in cement-based materials across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Carbonation: Reaction of CO₂ with cement hydration products forming CaCO₃, altering pH and microstructure.
Calcium Silicate Hydrate (C-S-H): Main binding phase in hydrated cement, contributing to strength and porosity.
Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs): Mineral additions such as fly ash, slag or calcined clay used to replace clinker and modify concrete properties.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Methodology for evaluating environmental impacts of a product system over its entire lifespan.
Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA): Analytical technique measuring mass changes as a function of temperature to quantify phases like Ca(OH)₂ and CaCO₃.
References
- Whole-life carbon emissions of concrete mixtures considering maximum CO2 sequestration via carbonation. Resources Conservation and Recycling (2024).
- Dynamic environmental payback of concrete due to carbonation over centuries. Sustainable Production and Consumption (2024).
- Understanding the carbonation of concrete with supplementary cementitious materials: a critical review by RILEM TC 281-CCC. Materials and Structures (2020).
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