Use of nucleation seeds to enhance CO2 capture and mineralization from the sugar and ethanol industry in low-carb fiber-cement

• Grant number: 24/02445-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Effective date (Start): August 01, 2024
• Effective date (End): July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Civil Engineering - Construction Industry
• Principal Investigator: Holmer Savastano Junior
• Grantee: Adriano Galvão de Souza Azevedo
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZEA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Pirassununga , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/02750-9 - Alkaline waste-based materials and low-carbon agroindustrial processes as modernization tools in constructive applications, AP.JP

Abstract

Magnesium Oxysulfate Cement (MOS) is a non-conventional binder characterized by low post-cure alkalinity, reduced energy consumption in production compared to traditional binders, and the ability to mineralize significant amounts of CO2 during accelerated carbonation processes. The use of MOS binders aligns with current public policies focused on industry decarbonization and the development of low-carbon technologies in construction. This proposal aims to enhance the eco-efficiency of the material by suggesting the utilization of CO2 produced in ethanol plants for the carbonation of cementitious composites. In this context, the research will correlate the use of nucleation seeds with the consequent alteration of the hydration kinetics and subsequent carbonation of MOS matrix fiber cement. The seeds provide additional nucleation points within the porous solution, increasing the available surface area for the precipitation of hydration and carbonation products. The use of nucleating agents, such as magnesite (MgCO3) and hydromagnesite (4MgCO3.Mg(OH)2.4H2O), promotes the formation of Hydrated Magnesium Carbonates (HMCs), enhancing mechanical performance and increasing CO2 mineralization rates compared to samples without seeds. Decarbonization data will be applied in technical, economic, and eco-efficiency feasibility analyses of utilizing CO2 from the ethanol industry in the accelerated carbonation of the composites. The research aims to understand the impact of nucleation seeds on improving CO2 capture, thus contributing to the decarbonization of agro-industry and construction by developing building technologies that use low-carbon cement systems.