Mechanochemically carbonated slag, its production method and use

Abstract

The present invention relates to mechanochemically carbonated slag. The present invention further relates to a method for producing the same and uses thereof, such as fillers. The present invention further relates to compositions comprising mechanochemically carbonated slag and a further material selected from the group consisting of asphalt, geopolymers, cement, polymers, and combinations thereof, and methods for producing the same. The present invention further relates to concrete and methods for preparing the same.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to mechanochemically carbonated slag. The present invention further relates to a method for producing the same and to uses thereof. The present invention further relates to a composition comprising mechanochemically carbonated slag and a further material selected from the group consisting of asphalt, cement, geopolymers, polymers, and combinations thereof. The present invention further relates to concrete and a method for preparing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Background technology Concrete is a composite material containing a matrix of aggregate (typically rock material) and a binder (typically Portland cement or asphalt) that holds the matrix together. Concrete is the most frequently used building material and is said to be the second most widely used material on Earth after water.

[0003] In order to reduce the cost of concrete and the CO2 emissions generated by cement production worldwide, much research effort has been devoted to identifying inexpensive materials that can be used as fillers or alternative binders to replace binder components without adversely affecting the properties of concrete. Such secondary cementitious materials are an area of ​​widespread industrial interest.

[0004] An example of a widely used cement filler is limestone. For a comprehensive overview of fillers in cementitious materials, see John, Vanderley M., et al. "Fillers in cementitious materials—Experience, recent advances and future potential." Cement and Concrete Research 114 (2018): 65-78.

[0005] Portland cement production contributes approximately 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions. According to Vanderley et al., traditional mitigation strategies for CO2 emissions in the cement industry are not sufficient to ensure the necessary mitigation in a scenario of increasing cement demand. Currently, cement production is increasing due to a combination of increasing urbanization and the replacement of old infrastructure. Therefore, cement industry leaders consider the adoption of carbon capture and storage (CCS) an inevitable solution, despite its high cost and environmental risks. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Therefore, there remains a need to develop affordable filler technologies that can combine both CO2 emission reductions through reduced cement production and CO2 emission reductions through carbon capture technologies, without adversely affecting the properties of concrete.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 8,709,151 B2 describes a method for producing an article by compressing ground granulated blast furnace slag and then subjecting it to an autoclave for carbonation under conditions such that water is in liquid form. U.S. Patent No. 8,709,151 B2 is not very energy efficient because it relies on an autoclave reactor for carbonation, which uses high temperatures and pressures of up to 14 MPa. Furthermore, the multiple unit operations (including compression and carbonation) are all performed as separate steps, which does not lend itself easily to practical implementation, especially automation.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved filler for geopolymer, cement, or asphalt binders.

[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved filler for geopolymers, cement, or asphalt binders that is inexpensive to manufacture.

[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved filler for geopolymers, cement, or asphalt binders that is produced using CO2 capture technology.

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved filler for geopolymer, cement, or asphalt binders that improves the compressive strength, strength activity index, and / or water demand properties of the resulting concrete. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] Summary of the Invention In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device having a thickness of 0.1 to 50 m. 2 / g, preferably 0.5 to 50m 2 The mechanochemically carbonated slag preferably has a specific surface area in the range of 0.1 to 50 μm, preferably 0.5 to 35 μm, and most preferably 1 to 15 μm, and / or an amorphous content, measured by XRD, of at least 35 wt.%, preferably at least 50 wt.%, preferably at least 60 wt.%, more preferably at least 65 wt.%.

[0013] Satoshi Asaoka et al., "Removal of hydrogensulfide using carbonated steel slag," Chemical Engineering Journal, Vol. 228 (March 24, 2013, pp. 843-849), discloses passively carbonated steel slag having a particle size of 0.8-5 mm. As shown in the accompanying examples, the mechanochemically carbonated slag of the present invention has a surprisingly reduced water demand.

[0014] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing mechanochemically carbonated slag, said method comprising: a) providing a raw material comprising or consisting of a slag precursor; b) providing a gas comprising CO2, preferably comprising at least 0.5% CO2 by volume; c) introducing the raw material and the gas into a mechanical stirring unit; d) passing said raw material through a mechanical agitation operation in said mechanical agitation unit in the presence of said gas; The present invention provides a method comprising:

[0015] The raw material is a method for producing mechanochemically carbonated slag, the method comprising: a) providing a solid raw material comprising or consisting of a slag precursor; b) providing a gas comprising CO2, preferably comprising at least 0.5% CO2 by volume; c) introducing the solid raw material and the gas into a mechanical stirring unit; d) passing said solid raw material through a mechanical stirring operation in said mechanical stirring unit in the presence of said gas to obtain said mechanochemically carbonated slag; Preferably, the solid is used to provide a method comprising:

[0016] The method can be applied to various types of slag precursors and advantageously results in unique mechanochemically carbonated slags.

[0017] In another aspect, the present invention provides mechanochemically carbonated slag obtainable by the methods for producing mechanochemically carbonated slag described herein.

[0018] As shown in the accompanying examples, it has been found that when such mechanochemically carbonated slags as described herein are used as fillers in cement, the compressive strength of the resulting concrete is surprisingly increased over that obtained for non-carbonated slags. In particular, the setting time for strength development is significantly improved (shortened) compared to when non-mechanochemically carbonated slags are used as fillers. Furthermore, much larger amounts of the present mechanochemically carbonated slags can be used as fillers while still providing acceptable or even improved concrete performance.

[0019] It has further been found that the durability of concrete produced using the mechanochemically carbonated slag is significantly increased. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the inventors believe this is due to improved hydration at the micro- and sub-microscale, reduced chloride permeability, reduced concrete porosity, and / or passivation of free lime. Furthermore, the increased oxygen content compared to untreated precursor or raw material may result in better dispersion in polar solvents and better compatibility with materials containing epoxy or carboxyl functionality.

[0020] Furthermore, as shown in the accompanying examples, water demand is reduced compared to pure cement, as well as compared to cement filled with non-carbonated slag. This is particularly surprising in view of the reduced particle size of mechanochemically carbonated slag compared to non-carbonated slag. A reduced particle size is generally associated with increased water demand. A reduced water demand compared to untreated raw material or pure cement can contribute to improved properties such as workability, compressive strength, permeability, water resistance, durability, weathering resistance, drying shrinkage, and cracking potential. For these reasons, limiting and controlling the amount of water in concrete is important for both constructability and service life. Thus, the present invention allows for better control of water demand. The inventors have discovered that the mechanochemical carbonation of the present invention affects an increase in the overall amorphous content of the slag precursor. While not wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that the increased amorphous content may result from the mechanochemical process of the present invention, as analyzed by XRD, where at least some crystalline domains that may be present in the raw material are maintained throughout the internal structure in the form of microcrystalline particles present in a more generalized disordered structure. This disordered macrostructure therefore promotes higher reactivity and improves cement hydration.

[0021] Furthermore, production of mechanochemically carbonated slag relies on an inexpensive CO2 capture technology platform that can be produced in an economically feasible manner and that can operate with dilute CO2 streams, for example, directly at the point source exhaust of a combustion plant, such that a filler is produced that combines the CO2 emission reductions achieved through reduced cement production and the CO2 emission reductions achieved through CO2 sequestration. Thus, the mechanochemically carbonated slag of the present invention, and in particular the mechanochemically carbonated slag of the present invention, combines distinct mechanical properties with cost-effective CO2 capture technology, making it an excellent filler for many applications.

[0022] In another aspect, the present invention provides a composition comprising the mechanochemically carbonated slag described herein and an additional material selected from the group consisting of asphalt, cement, geopolymer, polymer, and combinations thereof.

[0023] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for preparing a composition described herein, said method comprising: (i) providing a mechanochemically carbonated slag as described herein; (ii) providing a further material selected from the group consisting of asphalt, cement, polymers, geopolymers, and combinations thereof; (iii) combining the mechanochemically carbonated slag of step (i) with the material of step (ii); The present invention provides a method comprising:

[0024] In another aspect, the present invention is a method for preparing concrete or mortar, said method comprising: (i) providing a mechanochemical carbonation slag as described herein and, optionally in the form of a composition as described herein, an additional material selected from the group consisting of asphalt, cement, geopolymer, and combinations thereof, wherein the additional material is selected from the group consisting of asphalt, cement, geopolymer, and combinations thereof; (ii) providing a structural aggregate; (iii) contacting, preferably mixing, the mechanochemical carbonation slag and further material of step (i) with the structural aggregate of step (ii) and, optionally, with water; The present invention provides a method comprising:

[0025] In another aspect, the present invention provides concrete obtainable by the methods for preparing concrete described herein.

[0026] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a mechanochemically carbonated slag as described herein, as a filler, preferably in a material selected from the group consisting of asphalt, geopolymers, cement, mortar, polymers, and combinations thereof; As a partial replacement for asphalt, geopolymers, or cement in concrete or mortar, To increase the compressive strength of concrete or mortar, To improve the durability of concrete or mortar, To reduce the expansion of concrete, To improve the durability of concrete or mortar by reducing chloride permeability and / or porosity, To improve the strength activity index of concrete or mortar, and / or To reduce the water demand of concrete or mortar, Preferably, Incidentally, to improve the strength activity index of concrete and reduce the water demand of concrete, or Concomitantly, to improve the strength activity index of the mortar and reduce the water demand of the mortar. Provide use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Description of the embodiment As used herein, the word "comprise" and variations thereof, such as "comprises" and "comprising," are to be interpreted in an open, inclusive sense, meaning that the described embodiments include the recited features, but do not exclude the presence of other features unless doing so would render the embodiment inoperable.

[0028] As used herein, the terms "one embodiment," "particular embodiment," "embodiment," and the like should be interpreted to mean that a particular feature, structure, or feature described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of such terms in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, certain features of the present disclosure that are described herein in the context of individual embodiments are also expressly contemplated in combination in a single embodiment.

[0029] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" should be construed to include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term "or" is generally used in its broadest sense, i.e., meaning "and / or," unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0030] Throughout this specification, whenever a compound is referred to as a salt, this should be taken to include the anhydrous form of the compound as well as any solvates (particularly hydrates).

[0031] As used herein, the terms "slag precursor" and "slag" should be construed to include any welding or furnace slag, particularly furnace slag from metal production or processing. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the slag precursor is blast furnace (BF) slag, air-cooled blast furnace (ACBF) slag, granulated blast furnace (GBF) slag, basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag, ladle furnace basic slag (LS), or electric arc furnace (EAF) slag. The slag precursor is preferably blast furnace (BF) slag, air-cooled blast furnace (ACBF) slag, granulated blast furnace (GBF) slag, basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag, ladle furnace basic slag (LS), or electric arc furnace (EAF) slag from ferrous metal production, non-ferrous metal production, or phosphorus production. More preferably, the slag precursor is blast furnace (BF) slag, air-cooled blast furnace (ACBF) slag, granulated blast furnace (GBF) slag, basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag, ladle furnace basic slag (LS), or electric arc furnace (EAF) slag from iron or steel production. Most preferably, the slag precursor is granulated, optionally ground, blast furnace slag from iron or steel production.

[0032] The term "mechanochemically carbonated slag" is used herein to mean slag obtainable by the mechanochemical carbonation method of the present invention.

[0033] In accordance with the present invention, BET surface areas referred to herein are measured at a temperature of 77 K using a sample mass of 0.1 to 0.5 g. BET surface areas referred to herein are measured using nitrogen. A preferred analytical method for measuring BET surface area involves heating the sample to 400°C for a desorption cycle prior to surface area analysis. A suitable, and therefore preferred, analytical instrument for measuring BET surface area is a Micromeritics Gemini VII 2390 surface analyzer, preferably equipped with a Micromeritics FlowPrep 060 flow gas degassing unit.

[0034] As used herein, TGA refers to thermogravimetric analysis, a technique known to those skilled in the art. In the context of the present invention, a preferred TGA setup for measuring the CO content of raw and carbonated materials is a Setaram TAG 16 TGA / DSC dual chamber balance, using 0.1-2 mg samples. In accordance with the present invention, TGA is performed under an inert atmosphere, such as nitrogen or argon.

[0035] According to the present invention, particle size distribution characteristics referred to herein, such as D10, D50, and D90, as well as specific surface area (except when explicitly referred to as BET surface area), are measured using a light scattering particle size analyzer that utilizes the Fraunhofer theory of light scattering, such as a Brookhaven Laser Particle Sizer, Model Microbrook 2000LD, or another instrument of equal or better sensitivity, and report the data using a volume-equivalent sphere model. As known to those skilled in the art, D50 is the mass median diameter, i.e., the diameter at which 50% of the sample's mass is made up of smaller particles. Similarly, D10 and D90 represent the diameter at which 10% or 90% of the sample's mass is made up of smaller particles.

[0036] In accordance with the present invention, the compressive strength, strength activity index, and water demand referenced herein are measured in accordance with ASTM C311 / C311M-22. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, in conducting these tests, the slag precursor or carbonated slag of the present invention was substituted for "fly ash or natural pozzolan" as defined by the standard.

[0037] In accordance with the present invention, X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements referred to herein are performed using corundum standards. A suitable, and therefore preferred, XRD analysis set-up is with a PANalytical Aeris X-ray diffractometer, in which Rietveld refinement is performed (e.g., using HighScore Plus XRD analysis software).

[0038] For the purposes of this disclosure, the ideal gas law is assumed such that the volume percent of a gas is considered to be equal to the mole percent.

[0039] Mechanochemically Carbonated Slag Therefore, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device having a thickness of 0.1 to 50 m. 2 / g, preferably 0.5 to 50m 2 The mechanochemically carbonated slag preferably has a specific surface area in the range of 0.1 to 50 μm, preferably 0.5 to 35 μm, and most preferably 1 to 15 μm, and / or an amorphous content, as measured by XRD, of at least 35 wt.%, preferably at least 50 wt.%, preferably at least 60 wt.%, and more preferably at least 65 wt.%.

[0040] The mechanochemically carbonated slag preferably has an amorphous content, as measured by XRD, of at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 65% by weight. As shown in the accompanying examples, the inventors have discovered that the mechanochemical carbonation method herein enables the production of such high amorphous content slag. This is particularly preferred when the slag is obtained from a slag precursor that is blast furnace (BF) slag, air-cooled blast furnace (ACBF) slag, granulated blast furnace (GBF) slag, basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag, ladle furnace basic slag (LS), or electric arc furnace (EAF) slag, the precursor having an amorphous content, as measured by XRD, of less than 45%, preferably less than 40% by weight. It is further preferred that the mechanochemically carbonated slag have an amorphous content, as measured by XRD, of less than 20%, preferably less than 14%, more preferably less than 10% by weight. In another embodiment of the present invention, the mechanochemically carbonated slag preferably has an amorphous content, as measured by XRD, of at least 30 wt.%, preferably at least 35 wt.%, more preferably at least 40 wt.%, and most preferably at least 45 wt.%.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mechanochemically carbonated slag meets the strength requirements set forth in ASTM C618-12a (2012) and CSA A3001-18 (2018).

[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanochemically carbonated slag has a thickness of at least 0.1 m 2 / g, preferably at least 0.5m 2 / g specific surface area.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mechanochemically carbonated slag is 50 ml 2 / g, preferably less than 30m 2 / g, more preferably less than 10m 2 / g. For example, the specific surface area is less than 50 m 2 / g, less than 48m 2 / g, less than 46m 2 / g, less than 44m 2 / g, less than 42m 2 / g, less than 40m 2 / g, less than 38m 2 / g or less, 36m 2 / g, less than 34m 2 / g, less than 32m 2 / g or less, 30m 2 / g, less than 28m 2 / g or less, 26m 2 / g or less, 24m 2 / g or less, 22m 2 / g or less, 20m 2 / g or less, 18m 2 / g or less, 16m 2 / g or less, 14m 2 / g or less, 12m 2 / g, less than 10m 2 / g or less, 8m 2 / g or less, 6m 2 / g or less.

[0044] In a highly preferred embodiment, the mechanochemically carbonated slag is 5 m 2 / g, preferably less than 3m 2 / g, more preferably less than 2m2 For example, mechanochemically carbonated slag has a specific surface area of ​​less than 5.0 m 2 / g, less than 4.5m 2 / g, less than 4.0m 2 / g or less, 3.5m 2 / g or less, 3.0m 2 / g or less, 2.5m 2 / g or less, 2.0m 2 / g or less, 1.5m 2 / g or less.

[0045] The inventors have observed that mechanochemically carbonated slags having a specific surface area within the ranges specified herein have particular properties when considering performance, handling, etc., compared to their untreated precursors, or even to carbonated materials having other surface areas. Thus, in accordance with a highly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mechanochemically carbonated slags have a specific surface area of ​​0.1 to 50 m. 2 / g, preferably 0.5 to 50m 2 / g specific surface area, e.g., 0.1 to 50 mg 2 / g, preferably 0.1 to 30m 2 / g, more preferably 0.1 to 10m 2 Specific surface area in the range of 0.1 to 5.0 mg / g 2 / g, preferably 0.1 to 3.0 m 2 / g, more preferably 0.1 to 2.0 m 2 Specific surface area in the range of 0.5~50mg / g 2 / g, preferably 0.5 to 30m 2 / g, more preferably 0.5 to 10m 2 Specific surface area in the range of 0.5~5.0mg / g 2 / g, preferably 0.5 to 3.0 m 2 / g, more preferably 0.5 to 2.0 m 2 / g range.

[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanochemically carbonated slag has one, two or three, preferably three, of the following characteristics: D10 in the range of 0.005 to 10 μm, preferably 0.01 to 5 μm, most preferably 0.1 to 5 μm; D50 in the range of 0.1 to 50 μm, preferably 0.5 to 35 μm, most preferably 1 to 15 μm; D90 in the range of 0.5 to 100 μm, preferably 1 to 60 μm, most preferably 1 to 50 μm.

[0047] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanochemically carbonated slag has one, two or three, preferably three, of the following characteristics: D10 in the range of 0.005 to 10 μm, preferably 0.01 to 5 μm, most preferably 0.1 to 5 μm; D50 in the range of 0.1 to 50 μm, preferably 0.5 to 35 μm, most preferably 1 to 15 μm; D90 in the range of 0.5 to 100 μm, preferably 1 to 60 μm, most preferably 1 to 50 μm and has an amorphous content, as measured by XRD, of at least 45% by weight.

[0048] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanochemically carbonated slag has one, two or three, preferably three, of the following characteristics: D10 in the range of 0.005 to 10 μm, preferably 0.01 to 5 μm, most preferably 0.1 to 5 μm; D50 in the range of 0.1 to 50 μm, preferably 0.5 to 35 μm, most preferably 1 to 15 μm; D90 in the range of 0.5 to 100 μm, preferably 1 to 60 μm, most preferably 1 to 50 μm and has an amorphous content, as measured by XRD, of at least 40% by weight.

[0049] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanochemically carbonated slag has one, two or three, preferably three, of the following characteristics: D10 in the range of 0.005 to 10 μm, preferably 0.01 to 5 μm, most preferably 0.1 to 5 μm; D50 in the range of 0.1 to 50 μm, preferably 0.5 to 35 μm, most preferably 1 to 15 μm; D90 in the range of 0.5 to 100 μm, preferably 1 to 60 μm, most preferably 1 to 50 μm and has an amorphous content, as measured by XRD, of at least 35% by weight.

[0050] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanochemically carbonated slag has one, two or three, preferably three, of the following characteristics: D10 in the range of 0.005 to 10 μm, preferably 0.01 to 5 μm, most preferably 0.1 to 5 μm; D50 in the range of 0.1 to 50 μm, preferably 0.5 to 35 μm, most preferably 1 to 15 μm; D90 in the range of 0.5 to 100 μm, preferably 1 to 60 μm, most preferably 1 to 50 μm and has an amorphous content, as measured by XRD, of at least 30% by weight.

[0051] In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mechanochemically carbonated slag herein obtainable by concomitant carbonation and size reduction of a slag precursor, wherein the ratio of D50 of the mechanochemically carbonated slag to D50 of the slag precursor is less than 0.5:1, preferably less than 0.1:1, more preferably less than 0.05:1.

[0052] The carbonated slag preferably has a CO content of at least 1 wt. %, more preferably at least 1.5 wt. %, and most preferably at least 2.2 wt. %, measured by TGA using a temperature trajectory as a mass loss above 450° C., the temperature being increased at a rate of 10° C. / min from room temperature to 800° C. Preferably, the mechanochemically carbonated slag is obtainable by carbonation of a slag precursor, the ratio of the CO content of the mechanochemically carbonated slag to the CO content of the slag precursor being at least 1.5:1, preferably at least 2:1, more preferably at least 2.2:1, the CO content being measured by TGA using a temperature trajectory as a mass loss above 450° C., the temperature being increased at a rate of 10° C. / min from room temperature to 800° C.

[0053] Without wishing to be bound by any theory, the inventors believe that the increased specific surface area imparted by the dry mechanochemical carbonation process of the present invention is responsible for the observed beneficial properties, such as a superior strength activity index and reduced water demand. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide mechanochemically carbonated slag, obtainable by concomitant carbonation and increased specific surface area of ​​a slag precursor, wherein the ratio of the specific surface area of ​​the mechanochemically carbonated slag to the specific surface area of ​​the slag precursor is at least 1.2:1, preferably at least 1.4:1, and more preferably at least 1.6:1. The inventors have observed that a specific surface area ratio of at least 1.8 provides even better results.

[0054] Without wishing to be bound by any theory, the inventors believe that the increased BET surface area imparted by the dry mechanochemical carbonation process of the present invention is related to the observed beneficial properties, such as superior strength activity index and reduced water demand. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide mechanochemically carbonated slag, obtainable by concomitant carbonation and increased BET surface area of ​​the slag precursor, wherein the ratio of the specific surface area of ​​the mechanochemically carbonated slag to the BET surface area of ​​the slag precursor is at least 2:1, preferably at least 3:1, and more preferably at least 3.5:1.

[0055] While not wishing to be bound by any theory, the inventors believe that the increased amorphous content imparted by the dry mechanochemical carbonation process of the present invention is related to the observed beneficial properties, such as superior strength activity index and reduced water demand. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide mechanochemically carbonated slag obtainable by concomitant carbonation and increased amorphous content of the slag precursor, wherein the absolute difference between the amorphous content (expressed as a % based on total weight) of the mechanochemically carbonated slag and the amorphous content (expressed as a % based on total weight) of the slag precursor is at least 20 percentage points, preferably at least 30 percentage points, and more preferably at least 35 percentage points. The amorphous content is measured by XRD. In other embodiments of the present invention, the absolute difference between the amorphous content (expressed as a % based on total weight) of the mechanochemically carbonated slag and the amorphous content (expressed as a % based on total weight) of the slag precursor is at least 5 percentage points, preferably at least 10 percentage points, and more preferably at least 15 percentage points, as measured by XRD.

[0056] While not wishing to be bound by any theory, the inventors believe that the increased BET surface area imparted by the dry mechanochemical carbonation process of another aspect of the invention (described elsewhere herein) may contribute significantly to the observed increase in pore count due to the decreased average pore width and increased total pore surface area. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention provide mechanochemically carbonated slags obtainable by the concomitant carbonation and increased BET surface area of ​​the slag precursor, wherein the BJH desorption cumulative surface area of ​​the pores of the mechanochemically carbonated slag is at least 110%, preferably at least 120%, and more preferably at least 150% of the BJH desorption cumulative surface area of ​​the pores of the slag precursor, and the desorption average pore width (BET 4V / A) of the mechanochemically carbonated slag is 90% or less, preferably 85% or less, and more preferably 80% or less of the desorption average pore width (BET 4V / A) of the slag precursor.

[0057] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanochemically carbonated slag has a strength activity index (SAI) at 7 days that is at least 75%, preferably at least 80%. The inventors have observed that the mechanochemical process of the present invention makes it possible to obtain carbonated slag with an excellent 7-day SAI. Thus, in a highly preferred embodiment, the mechanochemically carbonated slag has an SAI at 7 days that is at least 85%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%.

[0058] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanochemically carbonated slag has a strength activity index (SAI) at 28 days that is at least 85%, preferably at least 90%. The inventors have observed that the mechanochemical process of the present invention makes it possible to obtain carbonated slags with excellent SAI at 28 days. Thus, in a highly preferred embodiment, the mechanochemically carbonated slag has an SAI at 28 days that is at least 100%.

[0059] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanochemically carbonated slag has a water demand that is less than 97%, preferably less than 96%, and more preferably less than 95%. The inventors have observed that the mechanochemical process of the present invention makes it possible to obtain a carbonated slag with an extremely low water demand. Thus, in a highly preferred embodiment, the mechanochemically carbonated slag has a water demand that is less than 94%, preferably less than 93%.

[0060] In an embodiment, the mechanochemically carbonated slag comprises a mixture of silicon dioxide (SiO2) and other metal oxides. Mechanochemically carbonated slag typically contains other metal sulfides and elemental metals. In a preferred embodiment, the mechanochemically carbonated slag is obtainable by carbonating slag from iron or steel production.

[0061] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanochemically carbonated slag comprises: · 10-40 wt.% SiO2 (by total weight of mechanochemically carbonated slag); less than 90% by weight (by total weight of mechanochemical carbonated slag), preferably less than 80% by weight (by total weight of mechanochemical carbonated slag), more preferably less than 70% by weight (by total weight of mechanochemical carbonated slag), even more preferably less than 60% by weight (by total weight of mechanochemical carbonated slag) of metal oxides other than SiO Includes.

[0062] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the mixture of metal oxides other than SiO2 has one, two, three, or all four, preferably all four, of the following characteristics: · the total content of calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide in the range of 30-60% by weight (by total weight of mechanochemically carbonated slag); · total content of iron oxide and iron hydroxide in the range of 1-30% by weight (by total weight of mechanochemically carbonated slag); · total content of magnesium oxide and magnesium hydroxide in the range of 1-10% by weight (by total weight of mechanochemically carbonated slag); · Total content of aluminum oxide and aluminum hydroxide in the range of 10-30% by weight (by total weight of mechanochemically carbonated slag).

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the mechanochemically carbonated slag contains calcium oxide and hydroxide, magnesium oxide and hydroxide, SiO2, and aluminum oxide and hydroxide, in such a content that the sum of the total contents of calcium oxide and hydroxide, magnesium oxide and hydroxide, and SiO2 represents at least 2 / 3 by weight (66.7% by weight) of the weight of the mechanochemically carbonated slag, and the weight ratio of the sum of the total contents of calcium oxide and hydroxide, and magnesium oxide and hydroxide to the content of silicon dioxide (for example, the ratio of calcium oxide and magnesium oxide to silicon dioxide is expressed as (CaO + MgO) / SiO2) is greater than 1.0.

[0064] METHOD FOR PRODUCING MECHANICALLY CARBONATED SLAG AND MECHANICALLY CARBONATED SLAG OBTAINED THEREFROM Without wishing to be bound by any theory, the inventors believe that the dry mechanochemical carbonation process of the present invention imparts unique and desirable properties to the carbonated slag obtainable by this process. For example, the unique surface area and pore properties imparted by the dry mechanochemical carbonation process of the present invention are believed to be important for achieving the material's surprising performance, for example, in concrete.

[0065] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing mechanochemically carbonated slag, said method comprising: a) providing a raw material comprising or consisting of a slag precursor; b) providing a gas comprising CO2, preferably comprising at least 0.5% CO2 by volume; c) introducing the solid raw material and the gas into a mechanical stirring unit; d) passing said solid raw material through a mechanical stirring operation in said mechanical stirring unit in the presence of said gas to obtain said mechanochemically carbonated slag; The present invention provides a method comprising:

[0066] The raw material is a method for producing mechanochemically carbonated slag, the method comprising: a) providing a solid raw material comprising or consisting of a slag precursor; b) providing a gas comprising at least 0.5% by volume of CO; c) introducing the solid raw material and the gas into a mechanical stirring unit; d) passing said solid raw material through a mechanical stirring operation in said mechanical stirring unit in the presence of said gas to obtain said mechanochemically carbonated slag; Preferably, the raw material is a solid, so as to preferably provide a method comprising:

[0067] Process Description The term "raw material" should be interpreted as a material consisting of or including a slag precursor. The slag precursor can be mixed with other materials (e.g., fly ash) to form the raw material. The term "precursor" is used to refer to the slag prior to being subjected to the mechanochemical carbonation of the present invention. However, it is preferred that the raw material consists essentially of the slag precursor and, optionally, water, as this allows for optimizing the process conditions to achieve the desired carbonated slag properties without having to consider the properties of other materials present in the raw material.

[0068] In view of the guidance provided in this disclosure, it is within the ability of one skilled in the art to adapt the relevant process parameters so as to obtain mechanochemically carbonated slag having the properties recited herein.

[0069] The gas provided in step (b) may be any gas stream containing CO2, such as normal air, a waste gas stream with a low CO2 concentration, or a concentrated CO2 stream.

[0070] In embodiments of the methods described herein, the gas provided in step (b) is ordinary air.

[0071] In a highly preferred embodiment of the method described herein, the gas provided in step (b) is combustion flue gas, in particular flue gas from fossil fuel combustion, wood pellet combustion, biomass combustion, or municipal waste combustion. The fossil fuel combustion may be coal, petroleum, petroleum coke, natural gas, shale oil, bitumen, tar sands oil, or heavy oil combustion, or any combination thereof. The combustion flue gas may optionally be treated to reduce its water content, SO2 content, and / or NOx content.

[0072] The CO concentration of the gas provided in step (b) is preferably at least 0.1% by volume, more preferably at least 0.5% by volume. Typical CO concentrations in combustion flue gases are in the range of 1-15% by volume, e.g., 2-5% by volume, and it is preferred that the gas provided in step (b) has a CO concentration in the range of 1-10% by volume, e.g., 2-5% by volume. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the gas provided in step (b) comprises at least 80% by volume of CO, preferably at least 95% by volume. In some embodiments of the invention, the gas provided in step (b) comprises at least 80% by volume of CO, preferably at least 95% by volume of CO, and less than 1000 ppm (v / v) of HO, preferably less than 100 ppm (v / v) of HO. In some embodiments, the gas provided in step (b) comprises at least 0.1% by volume of CO and 5-25% by volume of HO. For example, in the case of flue gas, the gas provided in step (b) preferably comprises CO in the range of 1-15% by volume, such as 2-10% by volume, and 5-25% by volume, such as 15-20% by volume, of HO. The gas is typically not in a supercritical state, as this is not required for the mild mechanochemical carbonation process of the present invention. Therefore, in any embodiment of the present invention, it is highly preferred that the gas is not in a supercritical state.

[0073] Some embodiments of the invention provide the process described herein, with the proviso that the temperature and pressure during step (d) are such that the pressure is less than the saturated vapor pressure of water at the temperature in the mechanically stirred unit.

[0074] The phrase "in the presence of said gas" in step (d) should be interpreted to mean that the atmosphere inside the mechanically stirred unit consists essentially of the gas provided in step (b) at the start of step (d). It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the composition of the gas will change as the reaction progresses unless the reactor (mechanically stirred unit) is continuously purged or refilled.

[0075] Generally, step (d) can be carried out at atmospheric pressure, below atmospheric pressure, or above atmospheric pressure. Generally, step (d) is preferably carried out at atmospheric pressure or above atmospheric pressure. Accordingly, step (d) is preferably carried out at a pressure of at least about 100 kPa (e.g., at least 101.325 kPa). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, step (d) is carried out at a pressure greater than about 300 kPa (e.g., 303.975 kPa), preferably about 600 kPa (e.g., 607.95 kPa). In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, step (d) is carried out at a pressure less than about 100 kPa (e.g., at least 101.325 kPa), such as less than 50 kPa or less than 10 kPa. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the pressure of the gas (if not actively maintained) will vary as the reaction progresses. In these embodiments, it should be understood that the pressure within the mechanically agitated unit will be as specified herein when step (d) begins. In some embodiments, the pressure within the mechanically agitated unit will be as specified herein throughout most or nearly all of step (d).

[0076] In highly preferred embodiments of the methods described herein, step (d) is carried out at a pressure below the critical pressure of carbon dioxide. Furthermore, the inventors have discovered that very high pressures are not required to prepare the mechanochemically carbonated slags of the present invention, allowing the method to be carried out in a very energy-efficient manner. Accordingly, step (d) is preferably carried out at a pressure of less than 10,000 kPa, preferably less than 5,000 kPa, more preferably less than 2,500 kPa, and most preferably less than 1,000 kPa. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the pressure of the gas (if not actively maintained) will vary as the reaction progresses. In these embodiments, it should be understood that the pressure within the mechanical stirring unit is as specified herein at at least one point in time during step (d), e.g., when initiating step (d). In some embodiments, the pressure within the mechanical stirring unit is as specified herein throughout most or nearly all of step (d).

[0077] To stimulate carbonation, step (d) is carried out at a temperature below 150°C, preferably below 100°C, preferably below 90°C, more preferably below 80°C, and most preferably below 75°C. In highly preferred embodiments of the invention, step (d) is carried out at a temperature within the range of 30-85°C, e.g., 45-85°C, preferably 55-70°C. In highly preferred embodiments of the invention, step (d) is carried out at a temperature below 60°C, preferably below 50°C. As shown in the accompanying examples, high carbonation efficiency is achieved at temperatures below 60°C. Temperatures in the range of 25-60°C, e.g., 30-50°C, or 35-45°C, are particularly preferred. In some embodiments, step (d) is carried out at a temperature below 40°C, e.g., below 35°C, or below 30°C. In preferred embodiments of the invention, no active heating is used; therefore, any increase in temperature is due to friction resulting from mechanical agitation or to the exothermic reaction that occurs during mechanochemical carbonation. The temperature is preferably measured on the solid material in the reactor (ie, the mechanically stirred unit) during processing.

[0078] In an embodiment of the invention, step (d) is carried out for at least 1 minute, preferably at least 30 minutes, such as at least 1 hour, at least 4 hours, or at least 8 hours.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, step (d) is substantially free of CO2 solubilizers, such as glycerin (propane-1,2,3-triol), which act to increase the solubility of carbon dioxide in aqueous solutions and allow for the formation of carbonate concentrations for sequestering carbon dioxide.

[0080] The low temperature requirements of the process mean that no fossil fuels are required, and electrical heating means (or low calorific value green fuel sources) can realistically be used to provide heat when the friction generated by mechanical agitation is insufficient to reach a desired temperature, such as above 45° C. In this way, fossil fuels can be avoided throughout the production chain.

[0081] As with any chemical process, the appropriate reaction time is highly dependent on the desired degree of carbonation, the desired surface area, as well as the applied pressure, temperature, and mechanical and chemical agitation, and can be readily determined by sampling the material and monitoring the reaction in the usual manner, for example, by BET analysis, particle size analysis, specific surface area, and CO content measurements as described herein.

[0082] The inventors have further discovered that the mechanochemical carbonation processes described herein can be advantageously carried out without the use of additional oxidizing agents, such as acids. Accordingly, the mechanochemical carbonation processes described herein are preferably carried out without the use of strong acids, and preferably without the use of any additional oxidizing agents other than the gas provided in step (b).

[0083] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mechanical agitation operation in step (d) comprises grinding, milling, mixing, stirring (such as low-speed or high-speed stirring), shearing (such as high-torque shearing), shaking, blending, disintegrating, pulverizing, crushing, fine grinding, fluidized bed, or ultrasonic treatment, preferably grinding, milling, mixing, stirring (such as low-speed or high-speed stirring), shearing (such as high-torque shearing), or ultrasonic treatment. The inventors have discovered that the mechanochemical carbonation process is facilitated when the mechanochemical agitation operation in step (d) is carried out in the presence of grinding or milling media, preferably balls or beads. Preferred materials are stainless steel or aluminum oxide. In such a highly preferred embodiment, the mechanical agitation operation may simply be rotation of a mechanical agitation unit containing the solid raw materials, grinding or milling media, and gas. For example, grinding or milling media can be made from steel (e.g., AISI H13, modified H10), aluminum oxide, chrome white cast iron (e.g., ASTM A532), molybdenum steel (e.g., AISI M2, M4, M-42), chromium-based steel (e.g., H11, H12, H13 CPM V9, ZDP-189), or other media with a target HRC hardness of 60. Such grinding media can be utilized with or without surface treatments such as nitriding and carburizing. This can be conveniently performed in a rotating drum. It will be appreciated that the products obtainable by the process of the present invention when performed in a rotating drum can also be obtained using alternative grinding or milling techniques known to those skilled in the art.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, step (d) is carried out in the presence of a catalyst, preferably a metal oxide catalyst, such as a transition metal oxide catalyst. Examples of suitable catalysts are selected from the group consisting of iron oxide, cobalt oxide, ruthenium oxide, titanium oxide, nickel oxide, aluminum oxide, and combinations thereof.

[0085] Thus, as can be seen from the above, in a highly preferred embodiment of the present invention, step (d) comprises grinding, milling, mixing, stirring (such as slow or high speed stirring), shearing (such as high torque shear), shaking, blending, disintegrating, pulverizing, crushing, pulverizing, fluidized bed, or sonication, preferably grinding, milling, mixing, stirring (such as slow or high speed stirring), shearing (such as high torque shear), or sonication, in the presence of grinding or milling media, and a metal oxide catalyst.

[0086] The inventors have discovered that in terms of the efficiency of mechanochemical carbonation (e.g., reaction time, CO absorption, and particle size reduction), it is advantageous to use a medium as described hereinabove that includes (e.g., is coated with) the metal oxide catalyst on one or more surfaces that come into contact with the raw material, and / or to use a mechanical stirring unit (or part thereof) that includes (or is coated with) the metal oxide catalyst, as described hereinabove. As explained elsewhere herein, the mechanical stirring operation may simply be the rotation of a mechanical stirring unit containing the raw material or slag precursor for mechanochemical carbonation, grinding or milling media, metal oxide catalyst, and gas. This may conveniently be carried out in a rotating drum.

[0087] As will be clear from the description of the present invention, in a highly preferred embodiment, step (d) is a substantially dry process. While some moisture may be present and is beneficial to carbonation efficiency, it is highly preferred that step (d) is not performed with an aqueous solution or slurry. The inventors have discovered that performing step (d) on a solid greatly improves energy efficiency (since there is no need to subsequently remove water) and imparts unique properties to the resulting mechanochemically carbonated slag, resulting in a material that is substantially different from, for example, aqueous carbonated materials. This is also reflected in its unique properties when used, for example, as a filler in concrete. In an embodiment of the present invention, the solid raw materials preferably have a water content of less than 10% by weight (by total weight of the solid raw materials), preferably less than 5% by weight, and more preferably less than 2% by weight.

[0088] According to a highly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the raw material provided in step (a) is a solid raw material. It is highly preferred that the solid raw material provided in step (a) has a moisture content of less than 30% by weight (based on the total weight of the solid raw materials), preferably less than 20% by weight, and more preferably less than 15% by weight. In terms of carbonation efficiency, it is preferred that the solid raw material have a moisture content of at least 2% by weight (based on the total weight of the solid raw materials), preferably at least 5% by weight, and more preferably at least 10% by weight. As shown in the accompanying examples, maximum carbonation efficiency is achieved at a moisture content of at least 10%. At a moisture content of less than 30% by weight (based on the total weight of the solid raw materials), the raw material still appears solid and behaves like a solid. In some embodiments of the present invention, the solid raw material may have a moisture content of less than 10% by weight (based on the total weight of the solid raw materials), less than 5% by weight, or less than 2% by weight. It is preferred that the solid raw material have a moisture content as specified herein, for example, when initiating step (d) and at least at one point in time during step (d). In some embodiments, the moisture content of the feedstock will be as specified herein throughout most or nearly all of step (d).

[0089] Based on the guidance provided herein, it is within the routine ability of one of ordinary skill in the art to adjust the moisture content of the raw materials, such as before and / or during step (d), by, for example, spraying the solid raw materials with an aqueous composition, such as water.

[0090] In other embodiments, the feedstock provided in step (a) is an aqueous slurry, solution, or suspension, e.g., an aqueous slurry. The aqueous slurry, solution, or suspension feedstock provided in step (a) may have a water content of greater than 50% by weight (by total weight of the aqueous slurry, solution, or suspension feedstock), e.g., greater than 70% by weight. The aqueous slurry, solution, or suspension feedstock preferably has a water content as specified herein at at least one point in time during step (d), e.g., when step (d) is initiated. In some embodiments, the water content of the aqueous slurry, solution, or suspension feedstock is as specified herein throughout most or nearly all of step (d).

[0091] In some embodiments, step (d) is followed by a dehydration step to reduce the water content of the resulting mechanochemically carbonated glassy solid.

[0092] In particular, the inventors have discovered that it is important to carry out step (d) so that a certain degree of carbonation, size reduction, and / or surface area increase is effective during step (d), i.e., during the combined carbonation and mechanical agitation. This results in a material that is significantly different from, for example, a material that is carbonated after being milled. To achieve these effects, it is preferred that step (a) of the present method comprises providing a solid raw material as described previously herein, and that step (d) is carried out on the solid raw material provided in step (a).

[0093] Thus, in a highly preferred embodiment, there is provided a process of the invention wherein the carbonation, size reduction and / or surface area increase is carried out during step (d) such that the process has one, two, three or four, preferably all four of the following characteristics: the ratio of the CO2 content of the mechanochemically carbonated slag obtained in step (d) to the CO2 content of the slag precursor of step (a) is at least 1.5:1, preferably at least 2:1, more preferably at least 2.2:1, the CO2 content being measured by TGA using a temperature trajectory as mass loss above 450°C, the temperature being increased from room temperature to 800°C at a rate of 10°C / min; the ratio of D50 of the mechanochemically carbonated slag obtained in step (d) to D50 of the slag precursor of step (a) is less than 0.9:1, preferably less than 0.75:1, more preferably less than 0.6:1; the ratio of the specific surface area of ​​the mechanochemically carbonated slag obtained in step (d) to the specific surface area of ​​the slag precursor of step (a) is at least 1.2:1, preferably at least 1.4:1, more preferably at least 1.6:1; The absolute difference between the amorphous content (expressed as % based on the total weight) of the mechanochemically carbonated slag and the amorphous content (expressed as % based on the total weight) of the slag precursor is at least 20 percentage points, preferably at least 30 percentage points, more preferably at least 35 percentage points. The amorphous content is measured by XRD.

[0094] Those skilled in the art will understand that when the material of step (a) is fed to step (d), it means that the carbonation, size reduction, and / or surface area described above occurs during step (d).

[0095] Without wishing to be bound by any theory, the inventors believe that the increased BET surface area imparted by the dry mechanochemical carbonation process is related to the observed beneficial properties, such as superior strength activity index and reduced water demand. Thus, in a highly preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a process in which the carbonation and BET surface area increase is carried out during step (d) such that the ratio of the BET surface area of ​​the mechanochemically carbonated slag to the BET surface area of ​​the slag precursor is at least 2:1, preferably at least 3:1, and more preferably at least 3.5:1.

[0096] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention, the BJH desorption cumulative surface area of ​​the pores of the mechanochemically carbonated slag obtained in step (d) is at least 110%, preferably at least 120%, more preferably at least 150% of the BJH desorption cumulative surface area of ​​the pores of the slag precursor, and the desorption average pore width (4V / A by BET) of the mechanochemically carbonated slag obtained in step (d) is at most 90%, preferably at most 85%, more preferably at most 80% of the desorption average pore width (4V / A by BET) of the slag precursor.

[0097] In an embodiment of the invention, the methods described herein do not include a solid-liquid separation step after step (d) selected from filtration, decantation, and gravity separation (e.g., using a cyclone). Preferably, the methods of the invention do not include any solid-liquid separation step after step (d).

[0098] In an embodiment of the invention, the methods described herein do not include a size selection step, such as a screening or sieving step, after step (d).

[0099] Properties of the slag precursor used in the mechanochemical carbonation process of the present invention In a preferred embodiment of the method described herein, the slag precursor is a particulate solid material, such as a powder or granular material. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the slag precursor is BF slag, ACBF slag, GBF slag, BOF slag, LS slag, or EAF slag. Preferably, the slag precursor is BF slag, ACBF slag, GBF slag, BOF slag, LS slag, or EAF slag from ferrous metals production, non-ferrous metals production, or phosphorus production. More preferably, the slag precursor is BF slag, ACBF slag, GBF slag, BOF slag, or EAF slag from iron or steel production. Most preferably, the slag precursor is granulated blast furnace slag or basic oxygen furnace slag, optionally ground, from iron or steel production.

[0100] In a preferred embodiment of the method described herein, the slag precursor has a specific surface area of less than 0.6 m 2 / g, preferably less than 0.5 m 2 / g, more preferably less than 0.4 m 2 / g and is a particulate solid material.

[0101] The slag precursor preferably has an amorphous content of less than 45% by weight, preferably less than 40% by weight, measured by XRD. The content of larnite measured by XRD of the slag precursor is preferably more than 20% by weight, for example, more than 25% by weight.

[0102] In an embodiment, the slag precursor comprises a mixture of silicon dioxide and metal oxides other than silicon dioxide. The slag precursor usually contains other compounds such as metal sulfides and elemental metals.

[0103] In a highly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the slag precursor has one, two, or three, preferably three, of the following characteristics: · D10 within the range of 0.1 to 50 μm, preferably 0.1 to 20 μm, most preferably 0.1 to 10 μm; · D50 within the range of 5 to 200 μm, preferably 10 to 200 μm, most preferably 10 to 150 μm; · D90 within the range of 10 to 1000 μm, preferably 20 to 750 μm, most preferably 40 to 500 μm. The slag precursor is preferably not subjected to a compression process. Thus, in some embodiments, the slag precursor has a porosity of more than 40% by volume, preferably more than 50% by volume.

[0104] · 10 to 40% by weight of SiO2 (based on the total weight of the slag precursor); ​Less than 90% by weight (by total weight of the slag precursor), preferably less than 80% by weight (by total weight of the slag precursor), more preferably less than 70% by weight (by total weight of the slag precursor), even more preferably less than 60% by weight (by total weight of the slag precursor) of metal oxides other than SiO Includes.

[0105] In a further embodiment of the invention, the slag precursor has one, two, three or all four, preferably all four, of the following characteristics: · total content of calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide in the range of 30-60% by weight (by total weight of slag precursors); · total content of iron oxide and iron hydroxide in the range of 1-30% by weight (based on the total weight of the slag precursor); · total content of magnesium oxide and magnesium hydroxide in the range of 1-10% by weight (based on the total weight of the slag precursor); · Total content of aluminum oxide and aluminum hydroxide in the range of 10-30% by weight (based on the total weight of the slag precursor).

[0106] In a preferred embodiment, the slag precursor contains calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide, magnesium oxide and magnesium hydroxide, SiO2, and aluminum oxide and aluminum hydroxide, such that the sum of the total contents of calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide, magnesium oxide and magnesium hydroxide, and SiO2 represents at least 2 / 3 by weight (66.7% by weight) of the weight of the slag precursor, and the weight ratio of the sum of the total contents of calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide, and magnesium oxide and magnesium hydroxide to the content of silicon dioxide (for example, the ratio of calcium oxide and magnesium oxide to silicon dioxide expressed as (CaO + MgO) / SiO2) is greater than 1.0.

[0107] In a preferred embodiment, the chemical composition of the slag precursor is such that the sum of the total contents by weight of calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide, magnesium oxide and magnesium hydroxide, SiO2, and aluminum oxide and aluminum hydroxide is 80% by weight or more, more preferably 90% by weight or more, and even more preferably 95% by weight or more, based on the weight of the slag precursor.

[0108] In some embodiments, the slag precursor comprises less than 39 wt. % SiO, less than 15 wt. % magnesium oxide and magnesium hydroxide, more than 37 wt. % calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide, and less than 13 wt. % magnesium oxide and magnesium hydroxide, based on the weight of the slag precursor.

[0109] In some embodiments, the chemical composition of the slag precursor includes, by weight of the slag precursor, 33-37% SiO, 9-14% aluminum oxide and hydroxide, 38-42% calcium oxide and hydroxide, and 1-12% magnesium oxide and hydroxide.

[0110] Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that the presence of at least some alkaline earth metal oxide or hydroxide promotes carbonation. Thus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, or a preferred embodiment, the slag precursor has a total of at least 0.01 wt. %, preferably 0.05 wt. %, of alkaline earth metal oxides and hydroxides as described herein.

[0111] Properties of mechanochemically carbonated slag obtained in step (d) In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing carbonated slag described herein, the carbonated slag obtained in step (d) has a content of 0.1 to 50 m 2 / g, preferably 0.5 to 50m 2 / g, which is particularly preferred. It is highly preferred that the mechanochemically carbonated slag obtained in step (d) preferably has an amorphous content, as measured by XRD, of at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 60% by weight, and more preferably at least 65% by weight. As shown in the accompanying examples, the inventors have discovered that the mechanochemical carbonation method herein makes it possible to obtain such high amorphous content slag. This is particularly preferred when the slag is obtained from a slag precursor that is blast furnace (BF) slag, air-cooled blast furnace (ACBF) slag, granulated blast furnace (GBF) slag, basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag, ladle furnace basic slag (LS), or electric arc furnace (EAF) slag, said precursor having an amorphous content, as measured by XRD, of less than 45% by weight, preferably less than 40% by weight. It is further preferred that the mechanochemically carbonated slag obtained in step (d) has a Larnite content, as determined by XRD, of less than 20 wt.%, preferably less than 14 wt.%, more preferably less than 10 wt.%.

[0112] In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the carbonated slag obtained in step (d) meets the strength requirements set forth in ASTM C618-12a (2012) and CSA A3001-18 (2018). In certain embodiments, the methods described herein do not include a size selection step, such as a screening or sieving step, after step (d), and the carbonated glassy solid of step (d) meets the strength requirements set forth in ASTM C618-12a (2012) and CSA A3001-18 (2018).

[0113] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanochemically carbonated slag obtained in step (d) has a carbonation rate of at least 0.1 m 2 / g, preferably at least 0.5m 2 / g specific surface area.

[0114] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the carbonated slag obtained in step (d) is 2 / g, preferably less than 30m 2 / g, more preferably less than 10m2 / g. For example, 50 m 2 / g, less than 48m 2 / g, less than 46m 2 / g, less than 44m 2 / g, less than 42m 2 / g, less than 40m 2 / g, less than 38m 2 / g or less, 36m 2 / g, less than 34m 2 / g, less than 32m 2 / g or less, 30m 2 / g, less than 28m 2 / g or less, 26m 2 / g or less, 24m 2 / g or less, 22m 2 / g or less, 20m 2 / g or less, 18m 2 / g or less, 16m 2 / g or less, 14m 2 / g or less, 12m 2 / g, less than 10m 2 / g or less, 8m 2 / g or less, 6m 2 / g or less, such as specific surface area.

[0115] In a highly preferred embodiment, the carbonated slag obtained in step (d) is 5 m 2 / g, preferably less than 3m 2 / g, more preferably less than 2m 2 For example, mechanochemically carbonated slag has a specific surface area of ​​less than 5.0 m 2 / g, less than 4.5m 2 / g, less than 4.0m 2 / g, less than 3.5m 2 / g or less, 3.0m 2 / g or less, 2.5m 2 / g or less, 2.0m 2 / g or less, 1.5m 2 / g or less.

[0116] The carbonated slag obtained in step (d) preferably has a CO content of at least 1 wt. %, more preferably at least 1.5 wt. %, and most preferably at least 2.2 wt. %, measured by TGA using a temperature track as mass loss above 450°C, the temperature being increased from room temperature to 800°C at a rate of 10°C / min.

[0117] The inventors have observed that mechanochemically carbonated slags having a specific surface area within a certain range have resulted in surprising carbonation results when compared to the untreated precursor. Thus, according to a highly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mechanochemically carbonated slag obtained in step (d) has a specific surface area of ​​0.1 to 50 m 2 / g, preferably 0.5 to 50m 2 / g specific surface area, e.g., 0.1 to 50 mg 2 / g, preferably 0.1 to 30m 2 / g, more preferably 0.1 to 10m 2 Specific surface area in the range of 0.1 to 5.0 mg / g 2 / g, preferably 0.1 to 3.0 m 2 / g, more preferably 0.1 to 2.0 m 2 Specific surface area in the range of 0.5~50mg / g 2 / g, preferably 0.5 to 30m 2 / g, more preferably 0.5 to 10m 2 Specific surface area in the range of 0.5~5.0mg / g 2 / g, preferably 0.5 to 3.0 m 2 / g, more preferably 0.5 to 2.0 m 2 / g range.

[0118] In an embodiment of the present invention, the carbonated slag obtained in step (d) has one, two or three, preferably three, of the following characteristics: D10 in the range of 0.005 to 10 μm, preferably 0.01 to 5 μm, most preferably 0.1 to 5 μm; D50 in the range of 0.1 to 50 μm, preferably 0.5 to 35 μm, most preferably 1 to 15 μm; D90 in the range of 0.5 to 100 μm, preferably 1 to 60 μm, most preferably 1 to 50 μm.

[0119] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanochemically carbonated slag obtained in step (d) has a strength activity index (SAI) at 7 days of at least 75%, preferably at least 80%. The inventors have observed that the mechanochemical process of the present invention makes it possible to obtain carbonated slag with an excellent 7-day SAI. Thus, in a highly preferred embodiment, the mechanochemically carbonated slag has an SAI at 7 days of at least 85%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%.

[0120] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanochemically carbonated slag obtained in step (d) has a strength activity index (SAI) at 28 days of at least 85%, preferably at least 90%. Thus, in a highly preferred embodiment, the mechanochemically carbonated slag has a SAI at 28 days of at least 100%.

[0121] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanochemically carbonated slag obtained in step (d) has a water demand of less than 97%, preferably less than 96%, more preferably less than 95%. The inventors have observed that mechanochemically carbonated slag having a water demand of less than 94%, preferably less than 93%, provides even better results.

[0122] Mechanochemically carbonated slag obtainable by the method described herein The inventors have discovered that the mechanochemical carbonation described herein imparts unique properties to the resulting mechanochemically carbonated slag, resulting in a material that is substantially different from, for example, aqueous carbonated materials. This is reflected in the unique properties of the resulting mechanochemically carbonated slag, for example, when used as a filler in concrete. In particular, the inventors have discovered that it is important to perform step (d) so that a certain degree of carbonation, size reduction, and / or surface area increase is effective during step (d), i.e., during the combined carbonation and mechanical agitation. This results in a material that is significantly different from, for example, material carbonated in an aqueous environment, or even material carbonated after milling. Thus, in another aspect, the present invention provides mechanochemically carbonated slag obtainable by the method for producing mechanochemically carbonated slag described herein.

[0123] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure, the mechanochemically carbonated slag of the present invention combines unique mechanical properties with a cost-effective approach to CO sequestration, making it an excellent filler for many applications.

[0124] Compositions containing mechanochemically carbonated slag and methods for preparing same In another aspect, the present invention provides a composition comprising the mechanochemically carbonated slag described herein and a further material selected from the group consisting of asphalt, cement, geopolymer, and combinations thereof, preferably cement, more preferably Portland cement.

[0125] In an embodiment, the further material is a polymer selected from thermoplastic polymers and thermosetting polymers. In a preferred embodiment, the further component is an epoxide resin, a phenol-formaldehyde resin, a polyalkylene terephthalate (preferably polyethylene terephthalate), a polyalkylene adipate terephthalate (preferably polybutylene adipate terephthalate), a polyalkylene isosorbide terephthalate (preferably polyethylene isosorbide terephthalate), a polyalkylene aromatic polyamide (preferably polyethylene aromatic polyamide), polyacrylonitrile, polyacetal, a polyimide, an aromatic polyester, or a polyisoprene (preferably cis-1,4-polyisoprene). , polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyisocyanurate, polyamide, polyether, polyester, polyhydroxyalkanoate, polylactic acid, polylactic-co-glycolic acid, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polytetrafluoroethylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, nitrile rubber, styrene butadiene, ethylene vinyl acetate, copolymers thereof, and combinations thereof, more preferably polyolefins, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, copolymers thereof, and combinations thereof. As used herein, the term "polymer" includes copolymers, such as block copolymers.

[0126] In a highly preferred embodiment, the additional material is selected from the group consisting of asphalt, cement, geopolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0127] According to the present invention, the cement may be a hydraulic or non-hydraulic cement. In a preferred embodiment, the cement is a hydraulic cement such as Portland cement. In a highly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cement is one of the cements defined in EN197-1 (2011), preferably Portland cement as defined in EN197-1 (2011).

[0128] In an embodiment of the invention, the composition comprises more than 0.1 wt. % (by total weight of the composition), preferably more than 1 wt. %, more preferably more than 5 wt. % of mechanochemically carbonated slag and / or more than 0.1 wt. % (by total weight of the composition), preferably more than 1 wt. %, more preferably more than 20 wt. % of further material.

[0129] In an embodiment of the invention, the composition comprises less than 60% (by total weight of the composition), preferably less than 50%, more preferably less than 45% by weight of mechanochemical carbonation slag and / or less than 95% (by total weight of the composition), preferably less than 90%, more preferably less than 80% by weight of further materials.

[0130] In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition wherein the weight:weight ratio of mechanochemically carbonated slag to further material is in the range of 1:9 to 2:1, preferably in the range of 1:8 to 1:1, more preferably in the range of 1:6 to 5:6.

[0131] In an embodiment of the invention, the composition comprises 5-70% by weight (by total weight of the composition), preferably 10-60% by weight, more preferably 20-50% by weight of mechanochemically carbonated slag and 30-95% by weight (by total weight of the composition), preferably 40-90% by weight, preferably 50-80% by weight of further materials.

[0132] In an embodiment of the invention, the composition comprises less than 5 wt. % water (by total weight of the composition), preferably less than 1 wt. %, more preferably less than 0.1 wt. % water, suitably measured as mass loss up to 120° C. as measured by TGA using a temperature track, where the temperature is increased from room temperature to 800° C. at a rate of 10° C. / min.

[0133] In an embodiment of the invention, the composition consists of mechanochemically carbonated slag and a further material.

[0134] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for preparing a composition described herein, said method comprising: (i) providing a mechanochemically carbonated slag as described herein, preferably a mechanochemically carbonated slag as described herein; (ii) providing a further material selected from the group consisting of asphalt, cement, geopolymer, and combinations thereof; (iii) combining the mechanochemical carbonation slag solids of step (i) with the material of step (ii); The present invention provides a method comprising:

[0135] Method for preparing concrete or mortar In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for preparing concrete or mortar, comprising the steps of: (i) providing a mechanochemical carbonation slag as described herein and, optionally in the form of a composition as described herein, an additional material selected from the group consisting of asphalt, cement, geopolymer, and combinations thereof, wherein the additional material is selected from the group consisting of asphalt, cement, geopolymer, and combinations thereof; (ii) providing a structural aggregate; (iii) contacting, preferably mixing, the mechanochemical carbonation slag and further material of step (i) with the structural aggregate of step (ii) and, optionally, with water; The present invention provides a method comprising:

[0136] In another aspect, the present invention provides a concrete or mortar obtainable by the method for preparing concrete described herein.

[0137] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, step (iii) further comprises contacting, preferably mixing, the mechanochemical carbonation slag and further material of step (i) with the structural aggregate of step (ii) and water. According to the present invention, the mechanochemical carbonation slag and further material of step (i), the structural aggregate of step (ii), and water can be contacted, preferably mixed, substantially simultaneously or in stages, where the composition of step (i) is first contacted, preferably mixed, with water, and then contacted, preferably mixed, with the structural aggregate of step (ii).

[0138] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a mechanochemically carbonated slag as described herein, as a filler, preferably in a material selected from the group consisting of asphalt, geopolymers, cement, mortar, polymers, and combinations thereof; As a partial replacement for asphalt, geopolymers, or cement in concrete or mortar, To increase the compressive strength of concrete or mortar, To improve the durability of concrete or mortar, To reduce the expansion of concrete, To improve the durability of concrete or mortar by reducing chloride permeability and / or porosity, To improve the strength activity index of concrete or mortar, and / or To reduce the water demand of concrete or mortar, Preferably, Incidentally, to improve the strength activity index of concrete and reduce the water demand of concrete, or Concomitantly, to improve the strength activity index of the mortar and reduce the water demand of the mortar. Provide use. [Example]

[0139] Example Measurements of particle size distribution and specific surface area were performed on a Brookhaven Laser Particle Sizer, Model Microbrook 2000LD, using the Fraunhofer theory of light scattering and reporting data using the volume-equivalent sphere model.

[0140] Compressive strength, strength activity index, and water demand were measured according to ASTM C311 / C311M-22. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, in conducting these tests, the slag precursor of the present invention or carbonated slag was used in place of "fly ash or natural pozzolan" as defined by the standard.

[0141] CO2 content was measured by TGA using a temperature orbit as mass loss above 450 °C, with the temperature increasing from room temperature to 800 °C at a rate of 10 °C / min. A Setaram TAG 16 TGA / DSC dual chamber balance was used with 0.1-2 mg samples under an inert nitrogen atmosphere.

[0142] The amorphous content was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) performed using corundum standards. XRD data were collected using a PANalytical Aeris X-ray diffractometer. Qualitative XRD analysis and Rietveld refinement were performed using HighScore Plus XRD analysis software. The weight percent amorphous portion of the samples was determined by external standards.

[0143] Example 1 Sample A Mechanochemically carbonated slag was produced by inserting 10.5 kg of slag precursor (granulated blast furnace slag) into a pressure cell containing 150 kg of first milling media (ceramic bearings, 25.4 mm in size) and 150 kg of second milling media (ceramic bearings, 10 mm in size). The cell was pressurized with flue gas (8-10% CO2 by volume; 18-20% H2O by volume; 2-3% O2 ​​by volume; 67-72% N2 by volume) to an initial pressure of 448 kPa and rotated with a rotor at 38 RPM for 3 days to obtain mechanochemically carbonated slag. The reaction was initiated at room temperature, with no heating or cooling applied. The ceramic bearings had an Al2O3 content of 92 wt% to also function as a catalyst. The properties of the slag precursor and the resulting mechanochemically carbonated slag are shown in the table below.

[0144] Sample B Mechanochemically carbonated slag was produced by inserting 0.9 kg of sample B slag precursor (basic oxygen furnace slag) into a pressure cell containing 17.5 kg of milling media (10 mm ceramic bearings). The cell was pressurized with flue gas (8-10 vol% CO2; 18-20 vol% H2O; 2-3 vol% O2; 67-72 vol% N2) to an initial pressure of 414 kPa and rotated at 40 RPM for 2 days to obtain mechanochemically carbonated slag. The reaction was initiated at room temperature, with no heating or cooling applied. The ceramic bearings had an Al2O3 content of 92 wt% to also function as a catalyst. The properties of the slag precursor and the resulting mechanochemically carbonated slag are shown in the table below.

[0145] [Table 1]

[0146] As can be observed from the Strength Activity Index (SAI) and water demand measurements, the mechanochemically carbonated slags of the present invention unexpectedly provide reduced water demand and increased strength compared to non-carbonated slags, and also compared to the Portland cement control.

[0147] Example 2 Sample A described in Example 1 was investigated by X-ray diffraction analysis. The five largest fractions identified are shown in the table below.

[0148] [Table 2]

[0149] [Table 3]

[0150] Thus, the mechanochemical carbonation method of the present invention has been found to significantly increase amorphous content, and without wishing to be bound by any theory, the inventors believe this is at least partially responsible for the observed beneficial reduction in water demand.

[0151] Example 3 The effects of the moisture content of the solid phase and the humidity of the second carbon-rich gas on the carbonation efficiency of basic oxygen furnace slag (BOF) were investigated. The BOF was placed in a temperature-controlled vessel under a continuous flow of flue gas (4% CO by volume, with temperature and humidity controlled as shown in the table below). No stirring was performed. Particle size and moisture content were measured according to the methods previously defined herein. CO uptake was measured by comparing the CO content before and after treatment, which was measured as mass loss above 200°C by TGA using a temperature track; the temperature was increased from room temperature to 800°C at a rate of 10°C / min, then decreased to room temperature at a rate of 10°C / min. All parameters not specified were kept constant.

[0152] [Table 4]

[0153] When a similar test was carried out with a flue gas temperature of 60°C, the carbonation efficiency of the second treatment (measured by CO2 uptake) was found to be similar to that achieved for 80°C.

Claims

1. 0.1 to 50 m ２ / g, preferably 0.5 to 50m ２ / g and D50 in the range of 0.1 to 50 μm, preferably 0.5 to 35 μm, most preferably 1 to 15 μm.

2. An amorphous content of at least 35% by weight as measured by XRD, and preferably one or both of the following characteristics: D10 in the range of 0.005 to 10 μm, preferably 0.01 to 5 μm, most preferably 0.1 to 1.5 μm; D90 in the range of 0.5 to 100 μm, preferably 1 to 60 μm, most preferably 1 to 50 μm The mechanochemically carbonated slag of claim 1 , having

3. 3. Mechanochemically carbonated slag according to claim 1 or 2, having an amorphous content measured by XRD of at least 50 wt.%, preferably at least 60 wt.%, more preferably at least 65 wt.%.

4. 10 to 40% by weight (based on the total weight of the mechanochemically carbonated slag) of SiO ２ , and less than 90% by weight (by total weight of the mechanochemical carbonated slag), preferably less than 80% by weight (by total weight of the mechanochemical carbonated slag), more preferably less than 70% by weight (by total weight of the mechanochemical carbonated slag), even more preferably less than 60% by weight (by total weight of the mechanochemical carbonated slag) of SiO ２ Metal oxides other than The mechanochemically carbonated slag according to any one of claims 1 to 3, having

5. 5. The mechanochemically carbonated slag according to any one of claims 1 to 4, having a strength activity index SAI, measured according to ASTM C311 / C311M-22 at 7 days, of at least 85%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, and a strength activity index SAI, measured according to ASTM C311 / C311M-22 at 28 days, of at least 100%.

6. 1. A method for producing mechanochemically carbonated slag, said method comprising: a) providing a raw material comprising a slag precursor; b) at least 0.5% by volume of CO ２ providing a gas comprising: c) introducing the raw material and the gas into a mechanical stirring unit; d) passing said raw material through a mechanical agitation operation in said mechanical agitation unit in the presence of said gas; A method comprising:

7. The slag precursor is 0.6 m ２ / g, preferably less than 0.5m ２ / g, more preferably less than 0.4 m ２ 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the particulate material has a specific surface area of ​​less than 1 / g.

8. 8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the gas provided in step (b) is combustion flue gas, preferably from fossil fuel combustion, wood pellet combustion, biomass combustion, or municipal waste combustion.

9. The step (d) at a pressure of less than 10,000 kPa, preferably less than 5,000 kPa, more preferably less than 2,500 kPa, and most preferably less than 1,000 kPa; and At temperatures below 100°C, preferably below 80°C The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the method is carried out

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein step (d) is carried out at a temperature in the range of 30 to 50°C and the moisture content of the solid raw material is at least 10% by weight.

11. 11. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the raw material provided in step (a) is a solid raw material having a moisture content of less than 30 wt.% (total weight of solid raw material), preferably less than 20 wt.%, more preferably less than 15 wt.%.

12. 12. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the carbonation, size reduction and / or surface area increase is carried out during step (d) so that the method has one, two, three or all four, preferably all four, of the following characteristics: CO of the mechanochemically carbonated slag obtained in step (d) ２ content of the slag precursor of step (a) ２ the ratio of CO to CO content is at least 1.5:1, preferably at least 2:1, more preferably at least 2.2:1; ２ The content was measured by TGA using a temperature track as the mass loss above 450°C, the temperature being increased from room temperature to 800°C at a rate of 10°C / min; the ratio of D50 of the mechanochemically carbonated slag obtained in step (d) to D50 of the slag precursor of step (a) is less than 0.9:1, preferably less than 0.75:1, more preferably less than 0.6:1; the ratio of the specific surface area of ​​the mechanochemically carbonated slag to the specific surface area of ​​the slag precursor is at least 1.2:1, preferably at least 1.4:1, more preferably at least 1.6:1; the absolute difference between the amorphous content (expressed in % based on total weight) of the mechanochemically carbonated slag and the amorphous content (expressed in % based on total weight) of the slag precursor is at least 20 percentage points, preferably at least 30 percentage points, more preferably at least 35 percentage points;

13. 13. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the slag precursor is blast furnace (BF) slag, air-cooled blast furnace (ACBF) slag, granulated blast furnace (GBF) slag, basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag, ladle furnace basic slag (LS), or electric arc furnace (EAF) slag, preferably granulated blast furnace (GBF) or basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag.

14. The slag obtained in step (d) a Strength Activity Index SAI, measured at 7 days according to ASTM C311 / C311M-22, of at least 85%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, and a Strength Activity Index SAI, measured at 28 days according to ASTM C311 / C311M-22, of at least 100%; and / or Water demand less than 94%, preferably less than 93% The method according to any one of claims 6 to 13, comprising:

15. Mechanochemically carbonated slag obtainable by the method according to any one of claims 6 to 14.

16. 16. A composition comprising the mechanochemically carbonated slag of any one of claims 1 to 5 or 15 and a further material selected from the group consisting of asphalt, cement, geopolymer, polymer, and combinations thereof, preferably cement, more preferably Portland cement.

17. 1. A method for preparing concrete or mortar, said method comprising: (i) providing the mechanochemically carbonated slag of any one of claims 1 to 5 or 15, and optionally a further material selected from the group consisting of asphalt, cement, geopolymer, and combinations thereof, in the form of a composition as described herein, wherein the further material is selected from the group consisting of asphalt, cement, geopolymer, and combinations thereof; (ii) providing a structural aggregate; (iii) contacting, preferably mixing, the mechanochemical carbonation slag and the further material of step (i) with the structural aggregate of step (ii) and, optionally, with water; A method comprising:

18. The mechanochemically carbonated slag according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or 15, as a filler, preferably in a material selected from the group consisting of asphalt, cement, mortar, geopolymers, polymers, and combinations thereof; As a partial replacement for asphalt, geopolymers, or cement in concrete or mortar, - To increase the compressive strength of concrete or mortar, - To improve the durability of concrete or mortar, To improve the durability of concrete or mortar by reducing chloride permeability and / or porosity; - for improving the strength activity index of concrete or mortar, and / or - To reduce the water demand of concrete or mortar, Preferably, - incidentally to improve the strength activity index of concrete and reduce the water demand of concrete, or - concomitantly to improve the strength activity index of the mortar and reduce the water demand of the mortar; use.

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