Development of MgO concrete with enhanced hydration and carbonation mechanisms

Dung, N.T. and Unluer, C. (2018) Development of MgO concrete with enhanced hydration and carbonation mechanisms. Cement and Concrete Research, 103, pp. 160-169. (doi: 10.1016/j.cemconres.2017.10.011)

Abstract

This study proposed the use of hydration agent (HA) and seeds to improve the hydration and carbonation of reactive magnesium cement (RMC)-based concrete formulations. Hydration of RMC was evaluated by isothermal calorimetry. Water absorption and compressive strength results were used to assess the mechanical performance of RMC-based concrete samples. Quantification of hydrate and carbonate phases was performed via XRD and TGA. Formation and morphology of carbonates were observed via BSE and SEM. In addition to increasing the utilization of RMC in the carbonation reaction and facilitating early strength development, the use of HA formed large carbonate phases, while the addition of seeds improved sample microstructures via the development of dense carbonate networks. The improvements in morphology, microstructure and carbonate content in samples involving the simultaneous use of HA and seeds resulted in 56% lower water absorption values and 46% higher 28-day compressive strengths (70 MPa) in comparison to the control sample.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support from the Singapore MOE Academic Research Fund Tier 1 (RG 113/14) for the completion of this research project.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Unluer, Dr Cise
• Authors: Dung, N.T., and Unluer, C.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Infrastructure and Environment
• Journal Name: Cement and Concrete Research
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0008-8846
• Published Online: 27 October 2017