CO2-Capture Alkali Additive for Stronger Carbonated Concrete
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The rapid increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide due to global warming poses a challenge for existing carbon capture technologies, necessitating a method to improve concrete strength while permanently isolating captured carbon dioxide.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a basic alkali mixture solution is used to capture carbon dioxide, forming a reaction product that is added to cement, enhancing concrete strength by producing calcium carbonate, which infiltrates cement pores, thereby improving structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If basic alkali mixture solution is used for carbon dioxide capture, then carbon dioxide can be captured from the air, but the captured carbon dioxide needs to be permanently isolated to prevent release back into the atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful captured carbon dioxide into a beneficial substance by reacting it with calcium hydroxide to form calcium carbonate, which serves as a filler material in concrete. This transformation permanently isolates the carbon dioxide while creating a useful construction material, thus converting the harm of captured CO2 into a benefit for concrete production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical state of carbon dioxide from a gaseous captured substance to a solid calcium carbonate compound through chemical reaction. This parameter change from gas to solid ensures permanent isolation of the carbon dioxide while integrating it into the concrete matrix, solving both the capture and permanent isolation requirements.
2Strength
If carbon dioxide reaction product is added to cement powder, then concrete strength is improved, but the mixing process requires preset time and ratio control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-reacting the basic alkali mixture solution with carbon dioxide to form the carbon dioxide reaction product (calcium carbonate) before adding it to the cement powder. This pre-preparation of the reaction product simplifies the subsequent mixing process, as the product is already in the correct chemical form ready for incorporation into concrete, reducing the complexity of real-time control during mixing.
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 enhances concrete strength and permanently isolates captured carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming mitigation by densifying the concrete structure and increasing compressive strength by up to 22%.
Implementation Method 1
bringing a basic alkali mixture solution of specific components into contact with carbon dioxide in the air to capture carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 2
forming a carbon dioxide reaction product containing sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) by a reaction of the basic alkali mixture solution brought into contact with the carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 3
producing calcium carbonate, which infiltrates cement pores, thereby improving structural integrity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for improving the strength of concrete by recycling a basic alkali mixture solution used for carbon dioxide capture and adding same to cement. According to one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: (a) bringing a basic alkali mixture solution of specific components into contact with carbon dioxide in air to capture carbon dioxide; (b) forming a carbon dioxide reaction product containing sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) by a reaction of the basic alkali mixture solution brought into contact with carbon dioxide; (c) injecting, in a preset ratio, the carbon dioxide reaction product into cement powder for concrete pouring; (d) mixing, for a preset time, the cement powder into which the carbon dioxide reaction product has been injected, thereby forming a concrete paste; and (e) pouring the formed concrete paste.