Improving the CO₂ Sequestration Capability and Mechanical Properties of CO₂ Reactive Cement Paste Using pH Swing Method

pH Swing법을 활용한 이산화탄소 반응경화형 시멘트 경화체의 CO₂ 고정화 성능 및 기계적 물성 개선

This study aims to investigate and improve the carbon dioxide sequestration capability and the mechanical properties of non-hydraulic low calcium silicate cement especially designed for CO₂ reaction and ordinary Portland cement subjected to the carbonation curing facilitating pH swing method. Nitric acid (HNO₃) was utilized as an liquid for the mixing of cement paste to enhance the initial dissolution of Ca ions from the cements by promoting low pH environment and prevent the direct precipitation of Ca with the anion, owing to the high solubility of Ca(NO₃)₂ in water. The results presented that the higher the concentration of HNO₃, the higher the compressive strength and CO₂ sequestration (until 0.1 M). Ca dissolution caused by the harsh acid attack onto the anhydrous cement particle lead to the higher carbonation reaction degree, forming abundant CaCO₃ crystals after the reaction. However, cement paste mixed with excessively high concentration of HNO₃ presented deterioration due to the too harsh pH environment and abundant NO₃- ions which are known to retard the reaction of cement.