Accelerated Carbonation Curing as a Means of Reducing Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Abstract

Globally, carbon dioxide concentration has immensely increased post the industrial revolution. With more greenhouse gases generated from human activities, more radiation is being absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere, causing an increase in global temperature. The phenomenon is referred to as the greenhouse gas effect. Alone, the cement industry contributes to approximately 5–8% of the global greenhouse gas emissions. Scientists and environmentalists have proposed different scenarios to alleviate such emissions. Among these, accelerated carbonation curing has been advocated as a promising mechanism to permanently sequester carbon dioxide. It has been applied to numerous construction applications, including concrete masonry blocks, concrete paving blocks, ceramic bricks, concrete pipes, and cement-bonded particleboards. Experimental results have shown that not only does it significantly reduce the carbon emissions, it also improves the mechanical and durability properties of carbonated products. The process enhances material performance, offers environmental benefits, and provides an excellent means to recycle carbon dioxide.