Mechanism underlying early hydration kinetics of carbonated recycled concrete fines-ordinary portland cement (CRCF-OPC) paste

Aiming to promote applications of carbonated recycled concrete fines (CRCF) as a low-carbon alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC), this study explored the effect of CRCF on the early hydration kinetics of OPC paste. The results show that CRCF is not only a highly active pozzolanic material but also an effective accelerator affecting the early hydration kinetics of OPC paste, thereby leading to an increased early compressive strength and a comparable 28-d compressive strength, even at a replacement ratio of 20%. Although the rheological properties and workability are negatively affected due to the high surface area and fine particle size of CRCF, the amorphous silica and silica-alumina gels and calcite present in CRCF facilitate initial ions dissolution and provide additional active nucleation sites for hydrates. As a result, the microstructure is densified due to the formation of additional C–S–H gels with high Si/Ca and Al/Ca ratios and carboaluminate phases, along with the inert filler effect of unreacted calcite particles. The incorporation of 20% CRCF to replace OPC can achieve a CO2 emissions reduction up to 25%. These indicate that the CRCF has a promising application scenario in transforming wasted concrete into high-value industrial products by CO2 activation.