Work

Effect of pre-conditioning on the carbonation curing characteristics of belite-rich cement paste

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigated the effect of pre-conditioning on the carbonation curing characteristics of belite-rich cement (BRC) paste. Before carbonation curing, the BRC paste was pre-conditioned under ambient dry and oven-dry conditions, and its physicochemical and mechanical properties were subsequently evaluated. The highest compressive strength was observed when the moisture content before carbonation curing was approximately 50%. The results suggest that CO 2 penetration alters the hydration mechanism of BRC paste and that pre-conditioning enhances both carbonation curing efficiency and overall physicochemical properties. Compared to untreated samples, pre-conditioned specimens exhibited higher compressive strength, primarily due to the removal of internal moisture, which increased the reactive surface area for CO 2 , facilitated its rapid diffusion, and promoted more uniform carbonation. Furthermore, XRD, TG/DTG, and MIP analyses revealed that pre-conditioned BRC paste contained higher amounts of ettringite and calcite after 28 days of curing, further improving its physicochemical performance.

Source: Developments in the Built Environment

DOI: 10.1016/j.dibe.2025.100725

Authors: Xuanru Wu, Geon Noh, Jeong Gook Jang

Institution: Incheon National University

Language: English

Topic: Concrete and Cement Materials Research

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,230

Funders: National Research Foundation, National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea