Research progress on carbon dioxide curing of cementitious materials: a review

The process of CO 2 curing in cementitious materials involves a semi-dry carbonation reaction that transpires between carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and cementitious substances in the presence of water following initial molding. This reaction facilitates carbon fixation, contributing to the reduction of CO 2 emissions and the production of low-carbon, high-value-added building materials. Cementitious materials subjected to CO 2 curing exhibit effective CO 2 sequestration and demonstrate improvements in mechanical properties and durability to a certain degree. This paper reviews and discusses significant advancements in the CO 2 curing of cementitious materials, encompassing aspects such as the chemical reactions involved, the degree of carbonation, the CO 2 curing regime, and the mathematical models associated with the CO 2 curing process. Notably, it is emphasized that the CO 2 curing process is primarily governed by the carbonation reactions of unhydrated mineral phases, specifically C 3 S and β-C 2 S, within the cement, resulting in the formation of amorphous SiO 2 and crystalline CaCO 3 as final products.