Evaluation of the mechanical properties of cements with fillers derived from the CO2 reduction of cement plants

This work introduces a novel method for the development of CO2 recovery systems derived from the production process of cement in order to obtain CaCO3 nanofiller in cement-based composites. Research was carried out in collaboration between the Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT) and the Department of Structural, Construction and Geotechnical Engineering (DISEG) of Politecnico di Torino. The objective of this method was dual. Firstly, it aimed to obtain a precipitated calcium carbonate - nanoCaCO3 - with a high degree of purity. Secondly, it aimed to optimize the characteristics of these nanoparticles e.g. additional percentages, morphology, particle size distribution or crystal phase, according to their use in cement-based composites. The synthesized nanoCaCO3 particles were subsequently added into the cementitious composites in different percentages according to the weight of the cement, in order to understand their behaviour within the cement matrix. The mechanical properties were also evaluated, both at 7 and 28 days, through three point bending and compression tests. The results of the mechanical tests showed a promising improvement in strength and toughness. This study is a first step towards developing a CO2 circular economy.