A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
MgO-based cements – Current status and opportunities
The cement industry is a major contributor to the anthropogenic CO 2 emissions, with about 8% of all emissions coming from this sector. The global cement and concrete association has set a goal to achieve net-zero CO 2 concrete by 2050, with 45% of the reduction coming from alternatives to Portland cement, substitution, and carbon capture and utilization/storage (CCU/S) approaches. Magnesia-based cements offer a conceivable solution to this problem due to their potential for low-to-negative CO 2 emissions (CCU/S) but also being alternatives to Portland cement. The sources of magnesia can come from magnesium silicates or desalination brines which are carbon free for raw-material-related emissions (cf. carbonated rocks). This opens up possibilities for low or even net-negative carbon emissions. However, research on magnesia-based cements is still in its early stages. In this paper, we summarize the current understanding of different MgO-based cements and their chemistries: magnesia oxysulfate cement, magnesia oxychloride cement, magnesia phosphate cement, magnesia carbonate cement, and magnesia silicate cement. We also discuss relevant research needed for MgO-based cements and concretes including the issues relating to the low pH of these cements and suitability of steel reinforcement. Alternatives reinforcements, suitable admixtures, and durability studies are the most needed for the further development of MgO-based concretes to achieve a radical CO 2 reduction in this industry. Additionally, techno-economic and life cycle assessments are also needed to assess the competition of raw materials and the produced binder or concrete with other solutions. Overall, magnesia-based cements are a promising emerging technology that requires further research and development to realize their potential in reducing CO 2 emissions in the construction industry.
MgO-based cements – Current status and opportunities
The cement industry is a major contributor to the anthropogenic CO 2 emissions, with about 8% of all emissions coming from this sector. The global cement and concrete association has set a goal to achieve net-zero CO 2 concrete by 2050, with 45% of the reduction coming from alternatives to Portland cement, substitution, and carbon capture and utilization/storage (CCU/S) approaches. Magnesia-based cements offer a conceivable solution to this problem due to their potential for low-to-negative CO 2 emissions (CCU/S) but also being alternatives to Portland cement. The sources of magnesia can come from magnesium silicates or desalination brines which are carbon free for raw-material-related emissions (cf. carbonated rocks). This opens up possibilities for low or even net-negative carbon emissions. However, research on magnesia-based cements is still in its early stages. In this paper, we summarize the current understanding of different MgO-based cements and their chemistries: magnesia oxysulfate cement, magnesia oxychloride cement, magnesia phosphate cement, magnesia carbonate cement, and magnesia silicate cement. We also discuss relevant research needed for MgO-based cements and concretes including the issues relating to the low pH of these cements and suitability of steel reinforcement. Alternatives reinforcements, suitable admixtures, and durability studies are the most needed for the further development of MgO-based concretes to achieve a radical CO 2 reduction in this industry. Additionally, techno-economic and life cycle assessments are also needed to assess the competition of raw materials and the produced binder or concrete with other solutions. Overall, magnesia-based cements are a promising emerging technology that requires further research and development to realize their potential in reducing CO 2 emissions in the construction industry.
MgO-based cements – Current status and opportunities
Bernard, Ellina (author) / Nguyen, Hoang (author) / Kawashima, Shiho (author) / Lothenbach, Barbara (author) / Manzano, Hegoi (author) / Provis, John (author) / Scott, Allan (author) / Unluer, Cise (author) / Winnefeld, Frank (author) / Kinnunen, Paivo (author)
2023-11-16
Bernard , E , Nguyen , H , Kawashima , S , Lothenbach , B , Manzano , H , Provis , J , Scott , A , Unluer , C , Winnefeld , F & Kinnunen , P 2023 , ' MgO-based cements – Current status and opportunities ' , RILEM Technical Letters , vol. 8 , pp. 65-78 . https://doi.org/10.21809/rilemtechlett.2023.177
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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