Kai Cui , Yong Zheng , Yingliang Zhao , Qinglong Qin , Kaikang Liang , Jun Chang , Faqian Liu , Peiliang Shen , Chi Sun Poon
{"title":"Development of in-situ highly active calcium carbonate through anhydrous carbonation of OPC: Effect on hydration and properties of cement composites","authors":"Kai Cui , Yong Zheng , Yingliang Zhao , Qinglong Qin , Kaikang Liang , Jun Chang , Faqian Liu , Peiliang Shen , Chi Sun Poon","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconres.2025.107980","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconres.2025.107980","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cement production generates a significant amount of CO<sub>2</sub>. This paper presents a novel technique requesting CO<sub>2</sub> capture during cement production, namely anhydrous carbonation (AC). By introducing CO<sub>2</sub> during the grinding stage of cement production, which involves mechanochemical effects, this method enhances the carbonation of cement to produce carbon-enriched cement. The results indicated that calcium carbonate was formed in situ on the surface of cement after AC. Compared with the Ref samples, at curing of 1d, the compressive strength of AC-30 min, AC-1 h, and AC-3 h samples increased by 18.1 %, 40.0 %, and 22.9 %, respectively, the 28-day compressive strength increased by 7.5 %,17.1 %, and 12.3 %, respectively. AC facilitated the dissolution of OPC clinkers and the subsequent precipitation of hydration products. The enhancement of OPC performance after AC is primarily attributed to several factors. First, highly active calcium carbonate was generated on the surface of the cement clinker, providing nucleation sites for the hydration products of OPC. Additionally, this calcium carbonate participated in chemical reactions, reacted with C<sub>3</sub>A during hydration and formed Mc and Hc. Furthermore, the filling effect of unreacted calcium carbonate, combined with the formation of hydration products such as AFm, C-S-H, AFt, Mc, and Hc, contributed to the refinement of the pore structure. This research indicated that 14.4 kg of CO<sub>2</sub> could be captured for every ton of cement produced, which suggests that anhydrous carbonation holds substantial potential for CO<sub>2</sub> sequestration during the cement production process, which could significantly contribute to reducing CO<sub>2</sub> emissions in the industrial production of cement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":266,"journal":{"name":"Cement and Concrete Research","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 107980"},"PeriodicalIF":10.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144549224","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Matthew Zhi Yeon Ting, Bo Xu, Mingqian Yang, Yaolin Yi
{"title":"Inhibition mechanism of MgO on ettringite formation in GGBS binder with inherent, internal, and external sulphates","authors":"Matthew Zhi Yeon Ting, Bo Xu, Mingqian Yang, Yaolin Yi","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconres.2025.107981","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconres.2025.107981","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Excessive ettringite formation degrades cementitious binders. Ground granulated blastfurnace slag (GGBS) can alleviate the damage, but ettringite development remains inevitable in sulphate-rich environments. This study explores MgO to suppress ettringite formation in GGBS. Ettringite content, evolution, and characteristics were evaluated in MgO-GGBS with inherent, internal, and external sulphates, and compared to GGBS and CaO-GGBS. To simulate internal sulphate, 1 %–5 % Na<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> was introduced before hydration; for external sulphate, hardened specimens were immersed in 5 % Na<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> solution. With inherent sulphate, GGBS formed ettringite within 0.5 h; CaO-GGBS gradually converted ettringite to monosulfate, whereas MgO-GGBS inhibited ettringite by 60 %–80 %. 1 %–5 % internal sulphate increased ettringite in CaO-GGBS since monosulfate was transitioned to ettringite, whereas MgO-GGBS showed 45 %–85 % less ettringite. Under external sulphate, MgO-GGBS produced 62 %–72 % less ettringite. This was attributed to Al-immobilizing phases and low Mg(OH)<sub>2</sub> solubility; hydrotalcite in MgO-GGBS intercalated sulphate. This study indicates MgO-GGBS as promising binders for sulphate-rich environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":266,"journal":{"name":"Cement and Concrete Research","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 107981"},"PeriodicalIF":10.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144549225","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Mingione , D. Jansen , F. Winnefeld , S.V. Churakov , B. Lothenbach
{"title":"Effect of Mg on xonotlite structure and stability","authors":"S. Mingione , D. Jansen , F. Winnefeld , S.V. Churakov , B. Lothenbach","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconres.2025.107970","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconres.2025.107970","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Minor constituents such as clays or dolomite might be present in the raw materials used for the synthesis of xonotlite (Ca<sub>6</sub>Si<sub>6</sub>O<sub>17</sub>(OH)<sub>2</sub>). These impurities can introduce additional elements (e.g., Mg, Al, Fe) into the system, affecting the purity of xonotlite, or promoting the formation of secondary phases. This study focuses on the influence of MgO on the formation and stability of xonotlite. A combination of solubility experiments conducted at 7, 20, 50 and 80 °C, along with thermodynamic modelling and atomistic simulations, was employed to investigate Mg incorporation. Structural and phase characterization was performed using XRD, TGA, FT-IR, SEM and <sup>29</sup>Si MAS-NMR. Up to 13 mol% of Mg can be incorporated into the xonotlite structure and the derived thermodynamic properties indicate that this leads to a stabilization of xonotlite. Higher quantities of magnesium lead to a stabilization of other phases such brucite, which may compete with xonotlite crystallization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":266,"journal":{"name":"Cement and Concrete Research","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 107970"},"PeriodicalIF":10.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144534203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lu Zhu, Mingxin Shi, Hanxiong Lyu, Yang Liu, Shipeng Zhang, Chi Sun Poon
{"title":"Innovative two-step synthesis design approach in developing vanadium incorporated low-carbon binder system","authors":"Lu Zhu, Mingxin Shi, Hanxiong Lyu, Yang Liu, Shipeng Zhang, Chi Sun Poon","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconres.2025.107977","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconres.2025.107977","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A novel two-step synthesis approach was developed to create a low-carbon C<sub>2</sub>S binder system incorporating vanadium, utilizing thermodynamic modeling and subsequent experimental validation. The modeling identified 1 wt% V<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> as the ideal dosage since excessive V<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> led to Ca<sub>2</sub>V<sub>2</sub>O<sub>7</sub> generation, depleting CaO in C<sub>2</sub>S phases. Additionally, 1400 °C was the optimal clinkering temperature for C<sub>2</sub>S synthesis as higher temperatures favored C<sub>3</sub>S formation while lower temperatures reduced the C<sub>2</sub>S content. Experiments confirmed that clinkering at 1400 °C could produce high <em>β</em>-C<sub>2</sub>S content in V<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>-doped binders, with V<sup>5+</sup> ions stabilizing <em>β</em>-C<sub>2</sub>S and inhibiting its transformation to <em>γ</em>-C<sub>2</sub>S. Small amounts of Ca<sub>2</sub>V<sub>2</sub>O<sub>7</sub> formation during clinkering could also promote the V<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> passivation. After 1-day carbonation, vanadium-dosed pastes prepared at 1400 °C possessed low porosity and dense morphologies, contributing to superior strength by forming CaCO<sub>3</sub> and gel phases. This approach offers a sustainable direction to maximize the performance of low-carbon binder systems by recycling heavy metal-derived solid wastes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":266,"journal":{"name":"Cement and Concrete Research","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 107977"},"PeriodicalIF":10.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144490140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Andreas Vohburger , Marie Collin , Arnaud Bouissonnié , Luc Nicoleau , Torben Gädt
{"title":"Citric, tartaric, and succinic acid effects on C3S dissolution and the nucleation kinetics of CSH and portlandite","authors":"Andreas Vohburger , Marie Collin , Arnaud Bouissonnié , Luc Nicoleau , Torben Gädt","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconres.2025.107964","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconres.2025.107964","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Functional additives like hydroxy-carboxylic acids modify the hydration mechanism of Portland cement and are commonly used as set retarders. These retarders can affect the clinker phase dissolution and the crystallization of hydrate phases. However, their specific effects are not fully understood. This study focuses on understanding the role of citric, tartaric, and succinic acid in the dissolution of tricalcium silicate (C<sub>3</sub>S) and the crystallization of C<img>S<img>H and portlandite during the early hydration of C<sub>3</sub>S. At high undersaturation, we observe that the acids accelerate C<sub>3</sub>S dissolution, while their sodium salts exhibit minimal effects. At low undersaturation, citrate reduces the dissolution rate by 50<!--> <!-->%, and tartrate can fully suppress dissolution in a model experiment with a water-to-solid ratio of 10<!--> <!-->000. The suppression appears to be linked to the precipitation of calcium citrate or calcium tartrate. Potentiometric titration studies indicate that tartrate and citrate inhibit the nucleation and crystal growth of C<img>S<img>H and portlandite. In summary, we find significant inhibiting effects of citrate and tartrate for the dissolution of C<sub>3</sub>S and the nucleation of both calcium hydroxide and calcium silicate hydrate.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":266,"journal":{"name":"Cement and Concrete Research","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 107964"},"PeriodicalIF":10.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144480780","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dengquan Wang , Yue Zhang , John L. Provis , Barbara Lothenbach , Sergey V. Churakov , George-Dan Miron , Zeyu Zhou , Jing Guan , Jiaxing Ban , Bin Ma
{"title":"Hydrotalcite-pyroaurite solid solution in cement system: Molecular structure and thermodynamic properties","authors":"Dengquan Wang , Yue Zhang , John L. Provis , Barbara Lothenbach , Sergey V. Churakov , George-Dan Miron , Zeyu Zhou , Jing Guan , Jiaxing Ban , Bin Ma","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconres.2025.107976","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconres.2025.107976","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hydrotalcite-pyroaurite solid solutions, which are common minerals both in nature and in modern cementitious materials, hold significant potential for waste immobilization and cement properties yet remain insufficiently studied. In this work, we first synthesized a series of hydrotalcite (Mg<sub>6</sub>Al<sub>2</sub>(OH)<sub>16</sub>CO<sub>3</sub>·nH<sub>2</sub>O) and pyroaurite (Mg<sub>6</sub>Fe<sub>2</sub>(OH)<sub>16</sub>CO<sub>3</sub>·nH<sub>2</sub>O) solid solutions and conducted comprehensive characterizations. Synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy was further employed to elucidate the molecular structure, while molecular simulations explored changes in charge density induced by Fe substitution. The results reveal that Fe substitution for Al reduces the thermal stability and induces structural changes. Specifically, the larger ionic radius of Fe<sup>3+</sup> compared to Al<sup>3+</sup> increases the unit cell parameters and elongates the Fe<img>O and Fe<img>Mg distances in the local structure. Fe substitution also leads to localized positive charge accumulation within the layer. Additionally, thermodynamic parameters were obtained, and a solid solution model was established to supplement the existing thermodynamic database.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":266,"journal":{"name":"Cement and Concrete Research","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 107976"},"PeriodicalIF":10.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144488559","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring natural siderite (FeCO3) as a novel supplementary cementitious material","authors":"Florian Mittermayr , Florian Steindl , Marjorie Pons Pineyro , Lukas Briendl , Marlene Sakoparnig , Isabel Galan","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconres.2025.107975","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconres.2025.107975","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates siderite (FeCO₃) as a novel supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in ordinary Portland cement (OPC) systems. Freshly ground siderite significantly retards early hydration of C₃S and C₃A, primarily due to the formation of iron hydroxide that temporarily inhibits hydration. However, this effect diminishes over time, with hydration degrees and strength development at later stages (≥90 days) matching or exceeding those of systems with inert fillers. Siderite undergoes a “ferrolanic” reaction, consuming portlandite and forming hydrated Fe-bearing phases, influenced by redox conditions. Additionally, siderite improves concrete durability, reducing calcium leaching and potentially enhancing sulfate resistance through stabilized ettringite and Fe/Al solid solution phases. This research is the first comprehensive exploration of siderite as an SCM, highlighting its potential to address SCM shortages and contribute to CO₂ reduction in cement production. Further research is needed to evaluate long-term durability and practical applications in cementitious systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":266,"journal":{"name":"Cement and Concrete Research","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 107975"},"PeriodicalIF":10.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144470042","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Clinker mineral formation and thermal decomposition of calcium carbonates in carbonated tobermorites: Mechanism of CO2 release in low-temperature ranges","authors":"Ryusei Igami , Go Igarashi , Abudushalamu Aili , Daisuke Minato , Ryo Kurihara , Ippei Maruyama","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconres.2025.107969","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconres.2025.107969","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Thermalgravimetric analysis (TGA) has been widely used to quantify the amount of fixed CO<sub>2</sub> in cementitious materials. It was well-known that calcium carbonates in cementitious materials decomposed not only around 700–800 °C but also in lower-temperature ranges (around 300–600 °C). However, the mechanism of CO<sub>2</sub> release in low-temperature ranges was not clarified. This study investigated the semi-dry carbonation of synthesized tobermorite under different relative humidities and a 1.0 % CO<sub>2</sub> concentration to reveal the mechanism of CO<sub>2</sub> release in low-temperature ranges. TGA revealed that the decomposition of calcium carbonates occurred at three different temperature ranges. The peak around 700–800 °C was attributed to the decomposition of calcite transformed from vaterite and aragonite. The peak around 400–600 °C was attributed to the solid-state reaction of vaterite and aragonite with silica gel, resulting in CO<sub>2</sub> release. The peak around 300–400 °C was attributed to the decomposition of amorphous carbonate minerals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":266,"journal":{"name":"Cement and Concrete Research","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 107969"},"PeriodicalIF":10.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144338549","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shaoyong Wen , Mingli Cao , Guangzhao Liu , Hong Yin
{"title":"Phase assemblages of seawater-mixed model cement modified by in-situ polymerization","authors":"Shaoyong Wen , Mingli Cao , Guangzhao Liu , Hong Yin","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconres.2025.107974","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconres.2025.107974","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In-situ polymerization of organic monomers in seawater cement is an effective method to mitigate the erosion of cement hydrates. Understanding the effects of in-situ polymerization on the hydration products of model cement holds promise for extending the service life of seawater concrete. Herein, we conducted a series of experiments combined with Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the impact of in-situ polymerization of sodium acrylate (SA) on the phase assemblages of seawater-mixed model cement. Our findings reveal that in-situ polymerization of SA enhances the stability of hydration products. This improvement is attributed to the carboxylic acid groups of polyacrylic acid (PAA), which form stable coordination bonds with Ca<sup>2+</sup> and Mg<sup>2+</sup>, anchoring onto the surface of hydration products and weaving an organic-inorganic interpenetrating network structure that strengthens interfacial bonding and inhibits erosion from external ions, thereby reducing calcium dissolution. However, the physical barrier effect of PAA on mineral surfaces and its chemical adsorption behavior towards Ca<sup>2+</sup> collectively alter the aqueous chemical environment, thereby inducing nucleation poisoning effects in C-S-H while reducing precipitation rate of other hydrates. Notably, PAA significantly lowers the decalcification risk of the C-S-H structure by enhancing its erosion resistance. These findings are expected to deepen the understanding of the role of in-situ polymerization in cement-based materials and promote the design of durable seawater-mixed concrete.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":266,"journal":{"name":"Cement and Concrete Research","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 107974"},"PeriodicalIF":10.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144321999","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Luiza R. M. de Miranda , Karel Lesage , Geert De Schutter , Nicolas Roussel
{"title":"Concrete printing through lace pressing: Head, shoulders, knees and toes","authors":"Luiza R. M. de Miranda , Karel Lesage , Geert De Schutter , Nicolas Roussel","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconres.2025.107968","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconres.2025.107968","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>3D concrete printing offers exciting possibilities for creating complex shapes without traditional formwork, but maintaining geometrical accuracy remains a challenge. Issues like early drying, gravity-induced stresses, and extrusion inconsistencies can compromise the quality of printed structures. This study explores the lace pressing technique, where the printhead stays in contact with the material to minimize deformation and improve precision. Through experiments, we identified three distinct zones within printed layers—shoulders, steady-state, and toes—each influenced by material yield stress, gravity-induced stresses, and layer pressing. Systematic variation of process parameters reveals the boundaries and characteristics of these zones. A theoretical model is introduced, incorporating dimensionless parameters, to predict the onset of plastic failure and deformation across these regions. The results not only validate the model but also highlight its potential for optimizing printing processes and retro-engineering material properties from benchmark prints. These findings contribute to advancing 3DCP by providing tools for more accurate builds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":266,"journal":{"name":"Cement and Concrete Research","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 107968"},"PeriodicalIF":10.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144306726","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}