Sungwon Sim , Heongwon Suh , Seongmin Cho , Sumin Im , Jaeyeon Park , Junxing Liu , Sungchul Bae
{"title":"Synergistic effects of nano-alumina and triisopropanolamine in Portland limestone cements with various sulfate levels","authors":"Sungwon Sim , Heongwon Suh , Seongmin Cho , Sumin Im , Jaeyeon Park , Junxing Liu , Sungchul Bae","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.105994","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.105994","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated the synergistic effects of nano-alumina and triisopropanolamine (TIPA) on the physicochemical properties of Portland limestone cement (PLC) with varying gypsum contents. The incorporation of nano-alumina and TIPA into PLC pastes with 3 and 9 wt % of gypsum resulted in increased heat release during the initial dissolution period and total heat release of cement hydration, and significantly enhanced the silicate and aluminate reactions. In addition, their combined use significantly improved the compressive strength of the PLC pastes, produced denser microstructures with lower porosities, and altered the pore shapes in the pastes. The synergistic advantages are likely related to the role of nano-alumina as a reactive filler and the use of TIPA that enhances the reactivity of the clinker phases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"159 ","pages":"Article 105994"},"PeriodicalIF":10.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143452271","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":"Enhancing the rate-dependent cracking resistance of UHPC under mixed tensile-shear mode by calcined bauxite aggregate","authors":"Shaohua Li , Ole Mejlhede Jensen , Qingliang Yu","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.105993","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.105993","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Calcined bauxite (CB) aggregate, characterized by porous microstructure and strong micromechanical property, has potential to mitigate macroscopic mechanical degradation of Ultra-high Performance Concrete (UHPC) from autogenous shrinkage microcracks. However, the rate-dependent cracking resistance of UHPC containing CB (UHPC-CB) under mixed-mode loading condition is not clear. Herein, the enhancing mechanism of CB upon rate-dependent cracking resistance of UHPC under mixed-mode loading is clarified from a multi-scale perspective. The results indicate that, at the microscale, CB not only leads to shorter microcracks due to physical constraint effects, but also results in a stronger ITZ compared to UHPC containing basalt aggregate (UHPC-BA), due to an internal curing effect thanks to its porous microstructure. At the mesoscale, the denser ITZ results in a higher fracture percentage of CB and more obviously an interlock effect in the case of shear stress condition. Consequently, at the macroscale, CB not only results in higher cracking resistance, especially in the case of shear loading, but also a higher dynamic increase factor value, attributed to the heterogenous micromechanical characteristics and stronger phases in CB.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"159 ","pages":"Article 105993"},"PeriodicalIF":10.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143443824","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xiaojuan Kang, Zushi Tian, Clarence Edward Choi, Hailong Ye
{"title":"Reaction mechanisms of one-part and two-part slag-based binders activated by sodium carbonate and lime","authors":"Xiaojuan Kang, Zushi Tian, Clarence Edward Choi, Hailong Ye","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.105992","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.105992","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>One-part alkali-activated slag (AAS) is a safer and more manageable alternative to a two-part formulation. This work compares the reaction mechanism, phase formation, microstructure and properties developments between one-part and two-part AAS pastes prepared by a combined lime (CaO) and sodium carbonate (Na<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub>) activator. The results show that the CaO-Na<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub> combination effectively accelerates slag reaction, resulting in 3–6 times higher compressive strength in AAS than blended slag-OPC binder at 1 d. Initially, two-part AAS demonstrates a slightly greater accelerating effect due to rapid generation of a strong alkaline condition, characterized by a hydroxyl ion concentration ([OH<sup>−</sup>]) in pore solution that is twice that of one-part AAS. This elevated alkalinity in two-part AAS enhances early-age hydration of slag and promotes phase formation, resulting in increased strength and refined microstructure. However, after 28 d, the strength of one-part AAS approaches and even surpasses that of two-part AAS, attributed to a more stable and progressive reaction between Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub> and dissolving Na<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub>, which produces NaOH. This steady reaction maintains a stable pH and allows for the gradual release of alkalis, resulting in increased degree of hydration (DOH) of slag, mean chain length (MCL), Al/Si and Q<sup>2</sup>/Q<sup>1</sup> ratios of C-A-S-H, as well as enhanced Al linkage in C-A-S-H of one-part AAS. In addition, the one-part AAS activated by CaO-Na<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub> demonstrates up to 93 % reduction in CO<sub>2</sub> emissions while maintaining comparable strength to OPC counterparts, highlighting its great potential as a green binder for sustainable construction applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"159 ","pages":"Article 105992"},"PeriodicalIF":10.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143427144","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ivo C. Carvalho , José S. Andrade Neto , Paulo R. Matos , Barbara Lothenbach , Ana P. Kirchheim
{"title":"The role of foreign ions in Portland cement production and properties: A state-of-the-art review on phase formation, polymorphism and hydration","authors":"Ivo C. Carvalho , José S. Andrade Neto , Paulo R. Matos , Barbara Lothenbach , Ana P. Kirchheim","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.105989","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.105989","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Adopting alternative raw materials and fuels has significantly increased in the last few years. This practice introduces minor constituents (or foreign ions) into cement kilns, influencing the synthesis process and subsequent clinker/cement properties. This paper examined the impact of zinc, titanium, phosphorus, fluorine, and copper on clinker/cement characteristics, focusing on phase formation, polymorphism, and hydration behavior. These constituents often serve as mineralizers or fluxes, modifying melting temperatures and viscosity of the melt in kilns and/or altering clinker mineralogy. A general trend of hydration retardation was identified in the presence of these minor constituents, with threshold incorporation levels underlined. Gaps in the current knowledge were identified, such as the effect of foreign ions in polymorphism, especially C<sub>3</sub>A. By synthesizing current research, this work provides valuable insights for the cement industry and the academy. Moreover, it proposes research directions to further understand the effects of co-processing and minor constituents on cement production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"159 ","pages":"Article 105989"},"PeriodicalIF":10.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143427142","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":"Competing mechanisms of cement hydrates and anhydrous phases at ambient and 120 °C carbonation","authors":"Hao Yu , Yi Jiang , Tung-Chai Ling","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.105986","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.105986","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The carbonation of a fresh cement matrix involves several parallel reactions, including the hydration of anhydrous phases and the carbonation of both anhydrous phases and cement hydrates. This study aims to elucidate the competing mechanisms of anhydrous phases and cement hydrates during high-temperature carbonation. We comparatively investigate the behaviors of three representative precursors (a) fresh cement powder (as a composite system), (b) hydrated cement powder (representing cement hydrates), and (c) steel slag powder (representing anhydrous cement phases) under high-temperature (120 °C) carbonation. By differentiating the concurrent reactions occurring in the fresh cement system, the individual contribution of each material can be identified. The results show that carbonation occurs more significantly on cement hydrates than on anhydrous phases at ambient temperatures, but the trend reverses under high-temperature carbonation. Notably, dicalcium silicate (C<sub>2</sub>S) directly reacts with CO<sub>2</sub> at 120 °C within the fresh cement matrix, producing calcite and a highly polymerized calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel similar to that of steel slag. This reaction not only contributes to carbonation but also facilitates hydration through its nucleation effect. In contrast, for tricalcium silicate (C<sub>3</sub>S), hydration initiates first, followed by the carbonation of its resultant product, namely portlandite, and subsequently C-S-H.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"159 ","pages":"Article 105986"},"PeriodicalIF":10.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143417501","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":"Efficiency of steel fibers in geopolymer and Portland cement concrete: Comparative evaluation of fiber bonding and crack bridging stress","authors":"Sohanth Tej Maganty, Kolluru V.L. Subramaniam","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.105988","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.105988","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The bond of steel fibers with Geopolymer Concrete (GPC) and Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) is evaluated. The pullout response of the steel fiber is related to the cohesive fracture response of steel fiber-reinforced GPC and PCC. The crack propagation in fracture tests of GPC and PCC with hooked-end steel fibers at dosages of 25 kg/m<sup>3</sup> and 45 kg/m<sup>3</sup> is evaluated using digital image correlation (DIC). With the addition of fibers, there is a more significant improvement in the fracture test performance of GPC compared to PCC. The steel fibers demonstrate a higher resistance to pullout from the GPC than the PCC. The dense geopolymer gel around the steel fiber enhances stress transfer, mobilizing significantly higher initial resistance during the fiber pullout. The stronger bond between the GPC matrix and the steel fibers increases the resistance to debonding during the initial stages of fiber pullout. The higher peak pullout load at low slip levels indicates more effective fiber engagement in generating crack-bridging stresses. This enhancement in fiber efficiency to pullout from the GPC matrix results in improved resistance to crack propagation and a significant increase in cohesive stress at small crack openings. The fibers provide better post-cracking load resistance in GPC than PCC, even at a fiber dosage as low as 25 kg/m<sup>3</sup>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"159 ","pages":"Article 105988"},"PeriodicalIF":10.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143427143","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}
Arnesh Das, Cedric Wenger, Lukas Walpen, Robert J. Flatt
{"title":"Early-age hydration of accelerated low-carbon cements for digital fabrication","authors":"Arnesh Das, Cedric Wenger, Lukas Walpen, Robert J. Flatt","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.105991","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.105991","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Digital fabrication processes with concrete offer several advantages compared to conventional processes, however, a major criticism with related concrete mixes has been with regard to their high cement paste content and consequent carbon footprint. One of the ways to address this is to reduce ordinary Portland cement (OPC) content in such mixes by using supplementary cementitious materials. This paper reports on such an approach for two different digital fabrication methods: digital casting system and 3D concrete printing. Results focus on the combined use of such low carbon blends with a calcium aluminate cement (CAC) based accelerator. Two such accelerators were studied: one being mainly crystalline based and the other mainly amorphous. Their performance is assessed at different temperatures. It is concluded that crystalline CAC is more suitable for applications above 20 °C while at temperature below 20 °C, amorphous CAC should be preferred. This paper also delves deeper into the effect of amorphous CAC on the hydration of tricalcium silicate present in OPC. It shows that the effect of amorphous CAC on that silicate depends on the OPC content of the system as well as on the type and amount of calcium sulfate used in the accelerator formulation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"159 ","pages":"Article 105991"},"PeriodicalIF":10.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143417503","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shuai Zou , Xi Chen , Man Lung Sham , Jian-Xin Lu , Chi Sun Poon
{"title":"Carbon sequestration in aggregate and concrete by encapsulated biochar and carbonation: Experiment and simulation","authors":"Shuai Zou , Xi Chen , Man Lung Sham , Jian-Xin Lu , Chi Sun Poon","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.105990","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.105990","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biochar is emerging as a novel method for carbon sequestration in concrete to reduce its carbon footprint, however, the high volume incorporation of biochar would unavoidably deteriorate the concrete performance due to biochar's drawbacks in high water absorption and low strength. Facing this conflict, a novel biochar-enabled core-shell aggregate (BCSA) developed by encapsulating biochar with cementitious materials was proposed for firstly overcoming biochar's drawbacks and then utilizing in concrete for carbon sequestration. The results showed that the optimal BCSA performance achieved a loose bulk density of 857 kg/m<sup>3</sup>, a crushing strength of 8.05 MPa, and a strength efficiency of 9393 Pa m<sup>3</sup>/kg. These properties were better than commercial sintered aggregate, indicating the advantages of the core-shell design technology in developing artificial aggregate. The BCSA-based concrete attained a density of 1778 kg/m<sup>3</sup> and a compressive strength of 35.8 MPa, which maintained concrete with structural performance and realized high biochar usage of 92.8 kg/m<sup>3</sup>. Comparatively, the utilization of biochar showed greater promising in carbon sequestration than carbonation curing. Direct carbonation curing the fresh BCSA attained higher carbonation degree and CO<sub>2</sub> uptake than firstly sealing and then carbonation curing, which can be explained by its higher moisture pore walls, which helped both CO<sub>2</sub> migration and adsorption as indicated by the molecular dynamics simulation. In sum, BCSA and BCSA-based concrete respectively realized total 250.4 kg/t and 247.1 kg/m<sup>3</sup> CO<sub>2</sub> sequestration, which indicates a great carbon storage potential and puts a new way of using biochar for producing aggregate and concrete with promising engineering application potentials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"159 ","pages":"Article 105990"},"PeriodicalIF":10.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143417502","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}
Chaowei Zheng , Zuhua Zhang , Yingcan Zhu , Qiang Ren , John L. Provis , Qianqian Wang , Zhengwu Jiang
{"title":"Leaching behavior of lithium slag at various pH conditions","authors":"Chaowei Zheng , Zuhua Zhang , Yingcan Zhu , Qiang Ren , John L. Provis , Qianqian Wang , Zhengwu Jiang","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.105985","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.105985","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To explore possible safe valorization routines for lepidolite lithium slags (LS) in different cement systems, this paper investigates their fundamental composition features and dissolution mechanisms under various pH conditions. Lepidolite LS is mainly divided into two types: high calcium LS with mineral phases mainly composed of anorthite and gypsum, and low calcium LS mainly comprising nosean and leucite, together with a higher amorphous phase content (<span><math><mrow><mo>></mo></mrow></math></span> 24 %). The main reaction product of LS in NaHCO<sub>3</sub> solution is calcite, while the products in NaOH solution are Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub> and (K, N)-A-S-(H). The dissolution of the amorphous LS phase in NaOH solution occurs in 0–3 h and generates (K, N)-A-S-(H) gels in 3–8 h. The shrinking core model can be used to describe the dissolution process of LS in NaOH solution, which is controlled by a reaction product layer diffusion. The leached quantity of Be, Tl, Ni, and Mn is negatively correlated with the solution pH, and the leaching rate increases with increasing temperature. The concentration of S in the LS leachate is higher than 300 mg/L, which may pose a threat to the volume stability of cement in concrete. Based on these characterization results, dissolution models of LS in neutral, weakly alkaline, and aggressive alkaline solutions have been proposed, providing theoretical guidance for understanding the hydration of LS in different binders, further its utilization in various cases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"159 ","pages":"Article 105985"},"PeriodicalIF":10.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143417505","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}
Heng Chen , Zhongxu Song , Binbin Liu , Guilong Sun , Pengkun Hou , Qinfei Li , Yang Wang , Pengyu Zhang , Xin Cheng
{"title":"Improving the carbonation resistance of supersulfated cement by nano SiO2 and silica fume","authors":"Heng Chen , Zhongxu Song , Binbin Liu , Guilong Sun , Pengkun Hou , Qinfei Li , Yang Wang , Pengyu Zhang , Xin Cheng","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.105984","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.105984","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Supersulfated cement (SSC) is a low-carbon material with limited carbonation resistance due to its high content of easily carbonated components (AFt) and low content of carbonation-resistant components (C-(A)-S-H gel and portlandite). This study aims to utilize reactive siliceous materials (nano-silica (NS) and silica fume (SF)) to optimize the product composition of SSC and enhance its carbonation resistance. Incorporating 3 % of ultrasonic-dispersed/non-ultrasonic-dispersed NS and SF into SSC, this study explores their effects on the mechanical properties of SSC before and after carbonation, carbonation depth, phase composition, and micro-morphology. Results show that both SF and NS promote the hydration, increasing hydration products and compressive strength, with NS being more significantly. While SF increases the flexural strength, NS reduces it. NS could modify the morphology and structure of AFt and C-(A)-S-H gel, resulting in a better carbonation resistance effect than SF. Both ultrasonic-dispersed NS and non-ultrasonic-dispersed NS have almost the same effect on the performance of SSC, with undispersed NS slightly reducing flexural strength more. This study highlights the critical role of AFt in the flexural strength and reveals that increasing the content of C-(A)-S-H gel is crucial for enhancing carbonation resistance. Combination of NS and SF (or other ultrafine powders) offers a promising approach to improving the carbonation resistance of SSC.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"158 ","pages":"Article 105984"},"PeriodicalIF":10.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143394003","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}