Project Details
Projekt
Net zero Concretes by Carbonation and Aluminate Reaction Boosting (NO-CARBON)
Subject Area
Construction Material Sciences, Chemistry, Building Physics
Term
since 2024
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 542228986
The fast transition of the concrete industry to net-zero carbon dioxide emissions relies on technologies that can be implemented quickly. Therefore, this project focuses on achieving net-zero concrete using Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) as the primary binder. Our approach maximizes the performance of OPC in concrete through three primary interventions. First, we employ a combination of chemical admixtures and controlled pre-carbonation to enhance the amount of ettringite - a key hydrate phase - in the binder (aluminate boost). Preliminary research indicates that this enhancement increases the binder's performance while reducing the required amount of clinker, thus decreasing CO2 emissions. Second, we integrate supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) with the boosted OPC. The use of traditional SCMs further increase the hydrate phase volume and thereby helps to lower the carbon intensity further. As the third step, carbonated SCMs will replace the traditional SCMs to act as additional CO2 sink. The dual strategy of maximizing stable ettringite and utilizing carbonated SCMs leads to net-zero CO2 emissions. Ultimately, this results in concrete with excellent strength and durability and a net-zero CO2 footprint achievable in a relatively short period.
DFG Programme
Priority Programmes
Subproject of
SPP 2436:
Net-Zero Concrete
