With emerging CO2 mineralization technologies, it is possible to produce different CaCO3 polymorphs (i.e. calcite, vaterite, aragonite) with distinct morphologies. When used as a Portland cement replacement, we have found that these polymorphs have varying effects on key cement properties, including hydration kinetics and rheology. Further, we have found that metastable vaterite remains stable in cement-based systems, opening up their potential to serve as functional fillers.
Relevant Publications:
Zhao, D., Williams, J. M., Hou, P., Moment, A. J., & Kawashima, S. (2024). Stabilizing mechanisms of metastable vaterite in cement systems. Cement and Concrete Research, 178, 107441.
Zhao, D., Williams, J. M., Li, Z., Park, A. H. A., Radlińska, A., Hou, P., & Kawashima, S. (2023). Hydration of cement pastes with calcium carbonate polymorphs. Cement and Concrete Research, 173, 107270.
Zhao, D., Williams, J. M., Park, A. H. A., & Kawashima, S. (2023). Rheology of cement pastes with calcium carbonate polymorphs. Cement and Concrete Research, 172, 107214.