Concrete products through sustainable and innovative carbon-storing binders

The cement industry is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, primarily due to the reliance on clinker, the main ingredient in traditional cement production. To address the urgent need for decarbonization in construction, our project proposes the development of an alternative binder that integrates CO2-sequestered magnesium-based silicates, such as olivine and pyroxenes, as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). This innovative approach not only replaces clinker but also enhances the carbon capture potential of concrete, transforming it into a carbon sink. The project will focus on optimizing the accelerated mineral carbonation process, refining the formulations and performance of these mineralized SCMs, and validating their suitability for large-scale industrial applications. Machine learning models and advanced simulation tools will be employed to design sustainable concrete mixtures and evaluate their performance. The ultimate goal is to reduce the embodied carbon emissions of concrete, while maintaining or improving its structural performance. By leveraging interdisciplinary expertise, we aim to develop a commercially viable binder with lower embodied emissions for the construction industry. This project aligns with the EIC Pathfinder Challenge objectives and contributes to the European Green Deal, Fit for 55, and Circular Economy Action Plan, supporting the EU’s broader mission of achieving carbon neutrality and advancing sustainable building practices.