Sources: CarbonCure Technologies, Halifax, N.S.; CP staff
A new Massachusetts Institute of Technology Masic Lab collaboration extends 10-plus years of CarbonCure Technologies research on carbon dioxide utilization and mineralization in fresh and finished concrete. Armed with advanced analytical spectroscopy and microscopy tools common in cement or aggregate quality control, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering Admir Masic will lead an investigation of the fundamental mechanisms of CO2 injected into mixes. From nanoscale analysis of lab samples to observation of large-scale industrial concrete production, he and a research team will explore mineralization kinetics; quantity, stability, density and spatial distribution of calcium carbonates; and, cement hydration efficiency improvements.
Along with primary faculty duties, Associate Professor Masic is a principal investigator for the Concrete Advancement Foundation-backed MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub, now in its 16th year at the Cambridge, Mass. campus. His namesake lab investigates the nanochemomechanics of mineralization and biomineralization processes attending construction, archeological and biological materials. CarbonCure research collaboration findings stand to augment CO2 emissions reduction commitments at the heart of concrete and cement industry net zero roadmaps.
“CarbonCure aims to strengthen the industry’s scientific understanding of the intersection between mineralization and concrete properties, with a constant focus on enhancing the performance benefits of our technologies and innovating on behalf of our producer partners,” says Chief Technology Officer Dean Forgeron. “We are committed to advancing scientific discovery through such research investments, empowering the concrete industry with the tools required to meet its decarbonization goals.”
“We look forward to gaining new insights from Professor Masic and his team at MIT,” adds Senior Director of Research Dr. Yogiraj Sargam. “This collaboration will further illuminate the underlying mechanisms of carbon dioxide mineralization in cementitious systems with the potential to accelerate acceptance and adoption of this solution by the concrete industry and wider construction sector.”