Carbon-capturing magnesium cement
CARBO-CEM
Project information
Project duration
-
Funded by
Multiple sources (Spearhead projects of centres for multidisciplinary research)
Project coordinator
University of Oulu
Contact information
Contact person
Project description
Modern civilizations are dependent on concrete for housing, infrastructure and defense. However, currently 5-8% of global greenhouse gases are emitted during production of cement, the binder used in concrete. Magnesium carbonate cements are an emerging class of cements, which can capture carbon dioxide during hardening, opening prospects for long-term carbon capture and utilization (CCU). Such cements are early in development, and reaction mechanisms are poorly understood. CARBO-CEM will concentrate on studying innovative methods to improve magnesium carbonate cement reactions, from pre-treatments to reaction modifications and final product properties. To aid in the experimental investigation, we will use modelling tools as well as state-of-the-art characterization methods, and develop new ones. This research will aid in bringing carbon-capturing cement closer to commercial applications. The research will be conducted at the University of Oulu.
The work is done in a multidisciplinary research team of chemists, physicist, engineers and material scientist on research in university`s strategic research profile area called Inorganic Side Streams (InStreams). Further information about the InStreams from the webpage: www.oulu.fi/instreams/
Fibre and Particle Engineering Research Unit carries out research in the field of advanced inorganic materials in circular economy. The group consists of 50 people; 2 professors, 1 associate professor (tenure track), 16 postdocs and 21 doctoral students. We have an open and encouraging working atmosphere and have a substantial track record in attracting competitive funding including the Academy of Finland and Horizon 2020 EU programmes.
Nano and Molecular Systems Research Unit is a highly international research environment presently formed by 2 professors, 3 associate professors (tenure track) and around 40 other researchers. The focus is on molecular scale materials physics and novel applications of spectroscopic and imaging techniques. The main external funding sources are the European Union ERC, Horizon2020 programs, EU EIT-RawMaterials and ERDF funds, Academy of Finland and other national and international funds. The unit coordinates Finnish national participation in the MAX IV facility, participates in the planning and construction of the FinEstBeAMS beamline, and contributes to the European Free Electron Laser Eu-XFEL project.