Carbonation Curing of Silicon-Aluminium Binders for Carbon-Negative Concrete
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing concrete fail to achieve carbon negative status due to high carbon dioxide emissions from cement production and processing, despite efforts to reduce emissions through alternative binders and carbon dioxide utilization.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to control carbonation synthesis by adjusting the concentration of dissolved silicon and/or aluminium in a mix, using an alkaline substance to activate raw materials, and curing with carbon dioxide, forming carbonate minerals that act as binders, thereby reducing the need for cement and enhancing carbon dioxide uptake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If cement is used as binder in concrete production, then strength and durability of concrete are ensured, but carbon dioxide emissions are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the binder system by using carbonated binders containing silicon and aluminium carbonates instead of traditional Portland cement. This parameter change allows the binder to provide both strength and carbon dioxide sequestration, resolving the contradiction between reducing emissions and maintaining strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite binder materials that combine carbonated minerals (silicon and aluminium carbonates) with other binding components. These composite materials achieve the required mechanical strength while simultaneously sequestering carbon dioxide, thus resolving the contradiction between strength requirements and emission reduction
2Object-affected harmful factors
If alternative binders replacing cement are used, then carbon dioxide emissions are reduced, but carbon negative status cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts harmful carbon dioxide emissions into beneficial carbonated minerals within the binder. By exposing raw materials to carbon dioxide during processing, the binder actively sequesters carbon dioxide, transforming the harmful gas into stable carbonate minerals that provide both structural function and carbon storage, achieving carbon negative status
3Quantity of substance
If carbon dioxide is used for curing concrete, then carbon dioxide uptake is increased, but curing time and process complexity are extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary carbonation during the binder production stage rather than during concrete curing. Raw materials are carbonated and activated before being incorporated into the concrete, which eliminates the need for extended curing time while still achieving high carbon dioxide uptake in the final product
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method achieves significant carbon dioxide uptake, resulting in carbon negative concrete products with reduced carbon footprint, faster curing times, and improved durability, using waste materials as raw materials and alternative curing methods.
Implementation Method 1
curing the mix with a gas comprising carbon dioxide (CO2)
Implementation Method 2
an alkaline substance is added to the raw material comprising silicon and/or aluminium to provide the mix where the total solubility of silicon and/or aluminium is at least 1 mmol/1
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method for controlling carbonation synthesis of silicon and/or aluminium carbonate minerals, wherein the concentration of dissolved silicon and/or aluminium in a mix to be cured is adjusted to at least 1 mmol/1 before curing the mix with gas comprising carbon dioxide (CO2) having a partial pressure of CO2 of at least 0.15 bar. In some embodiments of the disclosure an alkaline substance is added to the raw material to provide the mix where the total concentration of dissolved silicon and/or aluminium of at least 1 mmol/1. The disclosure also relates to a product obtainable by the methods of the disclosure as well as to the use of the product as building material, preferably for producing concrete-like products, more preferably for elements, most preferably for pre-casted elements and to the use of the method in construction industry or for production of elements and/or pre-casted elements.