Carbonation of Concrete: Opportunities for Net Zero CO2 by 2050 and Research Needs

Theme of the Peer-to-Peer Webinar: Carbonation of Concrete: Opportunities for Net Zero CO2 by 2050 and Research Needs

Speaker: Dr Jiayi Fu, Materials Scientist, Boral Innovation

Title: Exploring the accelerated carbonation potential of recycled concrete aggregates as a long-term CO2 storage solution

Concrete recarbonation and storage is one method to help the cement industry to minimise residue cement production emissions. The calcium-rich compounds in concrete structures will naturally absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and slowly form calcium carbonate over their life span to permanently store away the CO2. Recarbonation technology accelerates this natural process, quickly increasing the amount of CO2 stored in construction and demolition waste, most notably recycled concrete aggregates. Whilst carbonation of concrete is a well-known phenomenon, optimised conditions for accelerated recarbonation of recycled concrete aggregates to maximise CO2 uptake require further research. This study investigates the potential for local building and demolition waste materials to be recarbonated and used as a source for long-term CO2 storage.

ABOUT RILEM:

The mission of RILEM is to advance scientific knowledge related to construction materials, systems and structures and to encourage transfer and application of this knowledge world-wide.

This mission is achieved through collaboration of leading experts in construction practice and science including academics, researchers, testing laboratories and authorities.