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Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality in the Cement-Based Materials

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A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Construction and Building Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 May 2023) | Viewed by 24216

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Prof. Dr. Xiaoyong Wang

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Guest Editor

Department of Integrated Energy and Infra System and Architectural Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon-Si 24341, Republic of Korea
Interests: sustainable concrete; low carbon dioxide concrete; concrete hydration model; optimal hybrid design model; reinforced concrete; composite structures
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Run-Sheng Lin

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Guest Editor

Department of Architectural Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon-si 24341, Republic of Korea
Interests: cement and concrete; sustainable materials; cement chemistry; low CO₂ concrete
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

Cement is mainly used as a binder for concrete and is the basic material of reinforced concrete structures. In 2020, the global cement content was approximately 4.1 billion tons. The carbon dioxide emissions of the cement industry account for about 7% of the total global carbon dioxide emissions. The low-carbon development of the cement and concrete industries is of great significance for achieving carbon peaks and carbon neutrality. The purpose of this Special Issue is to provide an exchange platform on carbon peaking and carbon neutrality in the cement and concrete industries. Through the exchange of theory, experiments, and engineering applications, we can find practical solutions for carbon peaking and carbon neutralization in the cement and concrete industry. This Special Issue welcomes research papers and review papers. Possible research topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

Low-carbon cement and concrete;
Magnesia-based cement;
Alkali activated cement and concrete;
Mineral admixtures;
Carbonation curing of concrete;
Carbon capture;
Carbon sequestration;
Energy-saving and emission reduction in cement production;
Material design considering CO₂ emission;
Recycled aggregate concrete;
Durability and sustainability.

Dr. Xiao Yong Wang
Dr. Run-Sheng Lin
Guest Editors

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Keywords

blended concrete
carbon neutrality
CO₂ emission
sustainability
durability
geopolymer
supplementary cementitious materials

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 188 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality in the Cement-Based Materials

by Gui-Yu Zhang and Xiao-Yong Wang

Materials 2023, 16(13), 4705; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16134705 - 29 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1172

Abstract

The cement industry plays a significant role in global carbon emissions, accounting for approximately 8% of global anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality in the Cement-Based Materials)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

17 pages, 4433 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Oyster Shell Powder on the High-Temperature-Properties of Slag-Ceramic Powder-Based Geopolymer

by Gui-Yu Zhang, Sihwan Lee, Yi Han and Xiao-Yong Wang

Materials 2023, 16(10), 3706; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16103706 - 13 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2305

Abstract

There is a lack of scientific understanding of adding an oyster shell powder (OSP) to geopolymer concrete. The purpose of this study is: (1) to evaluate the high-temperature resistance of the alkali-activated slag ceramic powder (CP) mixture added with OSP at different temperatures, (2) to address the lack of application of environmentally friendly building materials, and (3) to reduce solid waste of OSP pollution and protect the environment. OSP replaces granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) and CP at 10% and 20% (based on binder), respectively. The mixture was heated to 400.0, 600.0, and 800.0 °C after curing for 180 days. The results of the experiment are summarized as follows: (1) The thermogravimetric (TG) results indicated that the OSP20 samples produced more CASH gels than the control OSP0. (2) As the temperature increased, the compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) both decreased. (3) Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results reveal that the mixture undergoes a phase transition at 800.0 °C, and compared with the control OSP0, OSP20 undergoes a different phase transition. (4) The size change and appearance image results indicate that the mixture with added OSP inhibits shrinkage, and calcium carbonate decomposes to produce off-white CaO. To sum up, adding OSP can effectively reduce the damage of high temperatures (800.0 °C) on the properties of alkali-activated binders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality in the Cement-Based Materials)

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14 pages, 6890 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Up to 100% Replacement of Natural Materials from Residues: Recycling Blast Furnace Slag and Fly Ash as Self-Leveling Cementitious Building Materials

by David Torréns-Martín, Lucía J. Fernández-Carrasco and María Teresa Blanco-Varela

Materials 2023, 16(9), 3350; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16093350 - 25 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1531

Abstract

The objective of this research is to study the use in the construction industry of recycled slag (SL) and fly ash (FA) using from 0.1 to 5% calcium sulfate (wC

\bar{S}

). These wastes have been used to make ternary mixture systems [...] Read more.

The objective of this research is to study the use in the construction industry of recycled slag (SL) and fly ash (FA) using from 0.1 to 5% calcium sulfate (wC

\bar{S}

). These wastes have been used to make ternary mixture systems and evaluated in terms of technological properties as cementitious materials for building applications. Studying their micro-structure as hydration products, setting times and mechanical properties shows a way to develop new mixtures from high proportion of waste, which are alternatives to the traditional nature ternary systems: Portland cement (PC), calcium aluminate cement (CAC) and calcium sulphate (C

\bar{S}

). Based on previous work with natural products, the selected SL/FA ratios were 9 and 2.3 and the sulphate contents were 0, 1 and 5%. The water/binder ratio used for these cementitious mixes was 0.4. The specimens prepared for strength determination were prisms of 10 × 10 × 60 mm. The pastes were prepared and cured at 20 °C and 98% relative humidity for 1 day and then either stored at 20 °C at 98% humidity (dry) or immersed in distilled water (wet) for 14 and 28 days. The results showed that both FA and SL mixed with C

\bar{S}

produce ettringite after 28 days of setting, and this phase was the main crystalline hydrated product in all mixes. Calcium sulphate stimulates the hydration reactions of the mixes and the strength increases when the C

\bar{S}

content is higher due to ettringite formation, while the setting time decreases, as happened in the systems prepared with natural materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality in the Cement-Based Materials)

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19 pages, 6120 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impedance Spectroscopy as a Methodology to Evaluate the Reactivity of Metakaolin Based Geopolymers

by Danilo Bordan Istuque, Alex Otávio Sanches, Marcelo Bortoletto, José Antônio Malmonge, Lourdes Soriano, María Victoria Borrachero, Jordi Payá, Mauro M. Tashima and Jorge Luis Akasaki

Materials 2022, 15(23), 8387; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15238387 - 25 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1511

Abstract

The aim of this study was to use the electrical impedance spectroscopy technique (IS) to carry out a systematic study on the mechanism of metakaolin geopolymerization for up to 7 curing days. The study was developed on two batches of metakaolin (MK), and their reaction processes were compared. Interpretative fundamental elements were developed based on the effective electrical conductivity curves regarding the metakaolin geopolymerization. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were previously carried out and used to interpret and validate the electrical behavior of the fresh and hardened MK-based geopolymer pastes. The results highlighted the sensibility of the impedance technique to the identification and description of the MK geopolymerization process, as well as the changes resulting from even slight variations in the metakaolin composition. Furthermore, this indicated that the geopolymerization process in highly alkaline solutions could be divided into seven stages, including the processes of dissolution, nucleation, precipitation and formation of the gel and, eventually, the retraction/microcracks constitution. Late dissolution processes could be observed during the more advanced stages and were attributed to particles not being fully hydrated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality in the Cement-Based Materials)

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14 pages, 2897 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Experimental Study on Non-Destructive Evaluation of the Mechanical Characteristics of a Sustainable Concrete Incorporating Industrial Waste

by Tariq Umar, Muhammad Yousaf, Muhammad Akbar, Nadeem Abbas, Zahoor Hussain and Wajahat Sammer Ansari

Materials 2022, 15(20), 7346; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15207346 - 20 Oct 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2399

Abstract

Structural materials sustainability is gaining popularity across the globe at present. Reusing natural resources, building, demolition debris, and solid waste are the most apparent tools to make construction more environmentally friendly. Traditional concrete is believed to be less durable, stronger, environmentally friendly, and socially and commercially feasible than industrial waste concrete. The evolution of non-destructive testing (NDT) across time has not been investigated in depth by researchers. An experimental study was carried out to propose the use of non-destructive mechanisms that would enable us to assess concrete’s compressive strength without causing destruction. Varying quantities of industrial waste (coal bottom ash (CBA) and waste glass sludge (WGS)) were incorporated to cast concrete prisms (150 mm × 150 mm × 150 mm). The results obtained helped us to establish relationships between the compressive strength of concrete and the Schmidt hammer rebound value, as well as the ultrasonic pulse velocities. Microstructural analysis showed that incorporating 10% of CBA and WGS improved the porosity of concrete specimens, which shows the applicability of these industrial wastes as partial cement replacements. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed traces of calcium alumino-silicate hydrate (C-A-S-H), portlandite and C-S-H, which indicates the binder characteristics of CBA and WGS. The concept of the response surface approach (RSM) for optimizing cement and industrial waste substitution was validated by the polynomial work expectation. The model was statistically significant when the fluctuation of ANOVA was analyzed using a p value with a significance level of 0.05. The study results show that the usage of 15% CBA and 10% WGS as a cementitious additive and cement replacement has the potential to increase the strength of concrete significantly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality in the Cement-Based Materials)

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20 pages, 8507 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Lithium Slag on the Frost Resistance of Cement-Soil

by Zhi Chen, Sili Chen, Liwen Liu and Yuwan Zhou

Materials 2022, 15(16), 5531; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15165531 - 11 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1528

Abstract

In this study, the effect of lithium slag (LS) on the frost resistance of cement-soil was evaluated. The results of freeze–thaw damage on the surface of the cement-soil, freeze–thaw mass loss, unconfined compression strength, triaxial shear strength, cohesion, and internal friction angle were tested at various freeze–thaw cycles after 90 days of curing when LS was incorporated into the cement-soil at different proportions (0%, 6%, 12%, and 18%). Combining nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) T₂ distribution and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) microscopic images, the mechanism of the effect of LS on the cement-soil was also analyzed. The experiment confirmed that the surface freeze–thaw damage degree and mass loss value of the cement-soil decreased after incorporating different LS contents, and that the unconfined compression strength, triaxial shear strength, cohesion, and internal friction angle also improved significantly compared with the specimens without LS. In this experiment, the optimization level of the cement-soil performance with different LS content was ranked as 12% > 18% > 6% > 0%. According to the NMR and SEM analysis results, the LS content of 12% can optimize the internal pore structure of the cement-soil and strengthen the bond between aggregate particles, hence inhibiting the extension of freeze-swelling cracks induced by freeze–thaw cycles. In conclusion, LS can effectively enhance the frost resistance of cement-soil, and the optimum content in this experiment is 12%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality in the Cement-Based Materials)

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24 pages, 11289 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green-Engineered Cementitious Composite Production with High-Strength Synthetic Fiber and Aggregate Replacement

by Chaoshu Fu, Mingzhao Chen, Rongxin Guo and Rongqing Qi

Materials 2022, 15(9), 3047; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15093047 - 22 Apr 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2172

Abstract

Engineered cementitious composites (ECCs) are potentially useful structural reinforcement and repair materials. However, owing to their high costs and carbon emissions, they are not used extensively. To control these carbon emissions and costs, recycled fly ash cenospheres (FACs) and high-strength polyethylene (PE) fibers are used here to explore the possibility of developing green lightweight ECCs (GLECCs). A series of experiments was conducted to test the physical and mechanical properties of the developed GLECC and to evaluate the possibility of developing an GLECC. The crack width development of the GLECC was also analyzed using the digital image correlation method. The experimental results indicate the following: (1) The increase in FAC content and the decrease in PE content worsened the performance of GLECCs, but the resulting GLECCs still had significant strain-hardening properties; (2) The performance and costs of GLECCs can be balanced by adjusting the amount of FAC and PE. The maximum amount of FACs attainable is 0.45 (FAC/binder), and the required amount of PE fibers can be reduced to 1%. As a result, the cost was reduced by 40% and the carbon emission was reduced by 36%, while the compressive strength was greater than 30 MPa, the tensile strength was greater than 3.5 MPa, and the tensile strain was nearly 3%. (3) The width of the crack was positively correlated with the FAC content and negatively correlated with the fiber content. In the 0.8% strain range, the average crack width can be controlled to within 100 μm and the maximum crack width can be controlled to within 150 μm, with the performance still meeting the requirements of many applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality in the Cement-Based Materials)

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22 pages, 3691 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydration–Strength–Workability–Durability of Binary, Ternary, and Quaternary Composite Pastes

by Yi Han, Seokhoon Oh, Xiao-Yong Wang and Run-Sheng Lin

Materials 2022, 15(1), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15010204 - 28 Dec 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 1775

Abstract

At present, reducing carbon emissions is an urgent problem that needs to be solved in the cement industry. This study used three mineral admixtures materials: limestone powder (0–10%), metakaolin (0–15%), and fly ash (0–30%). Binary, ternary, and quaternary pastes were prepared, and the specimens’ workability, compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse speed, surface resistivity, and the heat of hydration were studied; X-ray diffraction and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared tests were conducted. In addition, the influence of supplementary cementitious materials on the compressive strength and durability of the blended paste and the sustainable development of the quaternary-blended paste was analyzed. The experimental results are summarized as follows: (1) metakaolin can reduce the workability of cement paste; (2) the addition of alternative materials can promote cement hydration and help improve long-term compressive strength; (3) surface resistivity tests show that adding alternative materials can increase the value of surface resistivity; (4) the quaternary-blended paste can greatly reduce the accumulated heat of hydration; (5) increasing the amount of supplementary cementitious materials can effectively reduce carbon emissions compared with pure cement paste. In summary, the quaternary-blended paste has great advantages in terms of durability and sustainability and has good development prospects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality in the Cement-Based Materials)

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18 pages, 11816 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Behavior of Biochar-Modified Cementitious Composites Exposed to High Temperatures

by Xu Yang, Run-Sheng Lin, Yi Han and Xiao-Yong Wang

Materials 2021, 14(18), 5414; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14185414 - 18 Sep 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2530

Abstract

In this study, the effect of biochar on the high temperature resistance of cementitious paste was investigated using multiple experimental methods. The weight loss, cracks, residual compressive strength, and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) of biochar cementitious paste with 2% and 5% biochar exposed to 300, 550 and 900 °C were measured. The products and microstructures of biochar cementitious paste exposed to high temperatures were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the cracks of specimens exposed to high temperatures decreased with increasing biochar content. The addition of 2% and 5% biochar increased the residual compressive strength of the specimens exposed to 300 °C and the relative residual compressive strength at 550 °C. As the exposure temperature increased, the addition of biochar compensated for the decreasing ultrasonic pulse velocity. The addition of biochar contributed to the release of free water and bound water, and reduced the vapor pressure of the specimen. The addition of biochar did not change the types of functional groups and crystalline phases of the products of cementitious materials exposed to high temperatures. Biochar particles were difficult to observe at 900 °C in scanning electron microscopy images. In summary, because biochar has internal pores, it can improve the high-temperature resistance of cement paste. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality in the Cement-Based Materials)

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25 pages, 55132 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Improving Marine Concrete Performance Based on Multiple Criteria Using Early Portland Cement and Chemical Superplasticizer Admixture

by Taegyu Lee, Jaehyun Lee, Jaewook Jeong and Jaemin Jeong

Materials 2021, 14(17), 4903; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14174903 - 28 Aug 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2327

Abstract

This study sought to examine the performance design of concrete mix proportions to ensure chloride resistance and early strength with respect to C35 (35 MPa), which is the minimum compressive strength class of concrete used in a marine environment. For the proposed concrete mixture, C24 (24 MPa) was selected and binders for concrete were manufactured using a blend of OPC (ordinary Portland cement), EPC (early Portland cement), and GGBS (ground granulated blast-furnace slag). The results of the experiment confirmed that the combined use of EPC and GGBS greatly improve the early-strength development and chloride resistance of concrete. An analysis revealed that the time for removal of forms can be reduced by 5–9 h from the aspect of early concrete strength. Moreover, in terms of construction productivity, EPC and GGBS were reduced by up to 16.39 h/cycle compared to other concretes. Regarding economic and environmental impacts, EPC and GGBS were more effective than C35 concrete. This study is significant as its findings help make it possible to examine the most economical concrete mix design in relation to strength development according to the application of EPC, GGBS, and PC-based admixtures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality in the Cement-Based Materials)

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Review

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41 pages, 8219 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Comprehensive Review of Incorporating Steel Fibers of Waste Tires in Cement Composites and Its Applications

by Asad Zia, Zhang Pu, Ivan Holly, Tariq Umar, Muhammad Atiq Ur Rehman Tariq and Muhammad Sufian

Materials 2022, 15(21), 7420; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15217420 - 22 Oct 2022

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 2898

Abstract

Accumulating vast amounts of pollutants drives modern civilization toward sustainable development. Construction waste is one of the prominent issues impeding progress toward net-zero. Pollutants must be utilized in constructing civil engineering structures for a green ecosystem. On the other hand, large-scale production of industrial steel fibers (ISFs) causes significant damage to the goal of a sustainable environment. Recycled steel fibers (RSFs) from waste tires have been suggested to replace ISFs. This research critically examines RSF’s application in the mechanical properties’ improvement of concrete and mortar. A statistical analysis of dimensional parameters of RSFs, their properties, and their use in manufacturing various cement-based composites are given. Furthermore, comparative assessments are carried out among the improvements in compressive, split tensile, and flexural strengths of plain and RSF-incorporated concrete and mortar. In addition, the optimum contents of RSF for each strength property are also discussed. The influence of RSFs parameters on various strength properties of concrete and mortars is discussed. The possible applications of RSF for various civil engineering structures are reviewed. The limitations and errors noticed in previous review papers are also outlined. It is found that the maximum enhancement in compressive strength (CS), split tensile strength (STS), and flexure strength (FS) are 78%, 149%, and 157%, respectively, with the addition of RSF into concrete. RSF increased cement mortars’ CS, STS, and FS by 46%, 50.6%, and 69%, respectively. The current study encourages the building sector to use RSFs for sustainable concrete. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality in the Cement-Based Materials)

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