Supercritical CO2-Induced Evolution of Alkali-Activated Slag Cements

The phase changes in alkali-activated slag samples when exposed to supercritical carbonation were evaluated. Ground granulated blast furnace slag was activated with five different activators. The NaOH, Na₂SiO₃, CaO, Na₂SO₄, and MgO were used as activators. C-S-H is identified as the main reaction product in all samples along with other minor reaction products. The X-ray diffractograms showed the complete decalcification of C-S-H and the formation of CaCO₃ polymorphs such as calcite, aragonite, and vaterite. The thermal decomposition of carbonated samples indicates a broader range of CO₂ decomposition. Formation of highly cross-linked aluminosilicate gel and a reduction in unreacted slag content upon carbonation is observed through ²⁹Si and ²⁷Al NMR spectroscopy. The observations indicate complete decalcification of C-S-H with formation of highly cross-linked aluminosilicates upon sCO₂ carbonation. A 20–30% CO₂ consumption per reacted slag under supercritical conditions is observed.