Search Results (2)

Magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H) binders, synthesized from magnesia and silica, exhibit promising mechanical and thermal properties but face challenges in early strength development due to delayed kinetics and limited MgO solubility. This study investigates the impact of early exposure to CO₂-saturated atmospheres on MgO-SiO₂ cementitious systems, emphasizing the role of carbonation in phase evolution and mechanical performance. Early carbonation promotes the formation of hydrated magnesium hydroxycarbonates (HMHC), altering hydration pathways and reducing M-S-H gel content. Key analyses, including XRD, TGA, SEM-EDS, and FTIR, reveal that higher carbonation levels correlate with reduced Mg(OH)₂ stability at early ages, an enhanced precipitation of HMHC phases, and significant effects on mineralogy and strength. Results underscore the influence of formulation, water-to-cement ratio, and early carbonation in optimizing strength and phase development, providing a pathway to more efficient MgO-SiO₂ cement systems with reduced reliance on reactive SiO₂. Full article

Synthetic nesquehonite with a Mg(HCO₃)OH·2H₂O chemical formula is a solid product of CO₂ mineralization with cementitious properties. It constitutes an “MHCH” (magnesium hydroxy-carbonate hydrate) phase and, along with dypingite and hydromagnesite, is considered to be a promising permanent and safe solution for CO₂ storage with potential utilization as a supplementary material in “green” building materials. In this work, synthetic nesquehonite-based mortars were evaluated in terms of their compressive strengths. Nesquehonite was synthesized by CO₂ mineralization under ambient conditions (25 °C and 1 atm). A saturated Mg²⁺ solution was used at a pH of 9.3. The synthesized nesquehonite was subsequently studied by means of optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Impurity-free nesquehonite formed elongated fibers, often around a centerpiece, creating a rosette-like structure. The synthesized nesquehonite was mixed with reactive magnesia, natural pozzolan, standard aggregate sand and water to create a mortar. The mortar was cast into 5 × 5 × 5 silicone mold and cured in water for 28 days. A compressive strength of up to 22 MPa was achieved. An X-ray diffraction study of the cured mortars revealed the formation of brucite as the main hydration crystalline phase. Carbon dioxide mineralized nesquehonite is a very promising “green” building material with competitive properties that might prove to be an essential part of the circular economy industrial approach. Full article