Brine might be the secret to "Zero-Carbon Cement" production

Researchers at New York University Abu Dhabi are investigating the use of brine (salt water) to create a sustainable alternative to replace traditional Portland Cement.

According to Kemal Celik, an associate professor of civil engineering at NYU Abu Dhabi, reactive magnesium oxide, which can be produced from brine left over after saltwater desalination, is as durable as Portland Cement but more Eco-Friendly. According to Professor Celik, reactive Magnesium Oxide Cement is manufactured at considerably lower temperatures than Portland Cement. Therefore, the plants would use less fuel, and it is carbon neutral.

Additionally, cement absorbs CO2 during solidification because its strength depends on it and can continue to absorb CO2 for a long time after being mixed into concrete, making "Zero-Carbon Cement.” This type of cement is not only Eco-Sustainable but also cost-effective because desalination plants can start selling their waste to cement manufacturers and make a profit from it.

Celik's research team is currently collecting brine from the Arabian Gulf for testing and hopes to begin sourcing the raw materials from local desalination manufacturers. The team will conduct further studies on what kind of internal reactions are taking place over time that could affect how cement is used.

Source: ximang.vn