Title:
Enhancing Concrete Sustainability through CO2 Mineralization: A Cost-Effective Solution
Author(s):
Md Athar Kazmi and Lakshmi Vara Prasad Meesaraganda
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
123
Issue:
2
Appears on pages(s):
131-142
Keywords:
calcium carbonate; carbon dioxide (CO2) mineralization; carbon reduction; concrete durability; concrete strength; hydration of cement; sustainability
DOI:
10.14359/51749258
Date:
3/1/2026
Abstract:
Carbon dioxide (CO2) mineralization in concrete enhances cement hydration by reacting with calcium-rich materials, forming nano-scale calcium carbonate that fills micropores. This study explores CO2-mineralized concrete performance produced using a two-step mineralization process. Concrete with 0.2% CO2 by cement weight exhibited significantly higher compressive strength, increasing by 18.78%, 19.27%, and 20.63% at 7, 28, and 56 days, respectively. Isothermal calorimetric analysis confirmed increased heat evolution in CO2-mineralized cement paste, while X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy revealed calcium carbonate formation and more ettringite volume. The higher strength gain due to CO2 mineralization is used to leverage the cement content. A comparative study reveals that CO2-mineralized concrete with 7.5% reduced cement content achieves equivalent strength and durability to conventional concrete, reducing carbon emissions by 8% while significantly lowering cost per unit strength and enhancing sustainability and performance.
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