Mechanical properties of solid waste-based composite cementitious system enhanced by CO2 modification

Utilizing CO2 to modify solid waste and produce high-performance cementitious material is a promising strategy. In this study, circulating fluidized bed fly ash (CFBFA), calcium carbide slag (CS) and flue gas desulphurization gypsum (FGDG) were prepared by mixing CO2 to produce cementitious materials. The impacts of CO2 on mechanical properties and carbonation reaction mechanism of composite materials were investigated. The results shown that the microstructure and mechanical properties of the gelling materials were improved by CO2 modification. When the CO2 mass transfer conditions as followed: CO2 flow rate was 1.5 L/min, stirring rate at 600 r/min, and stirring time at 20 min, compressive strength of modified material was 22 % higher than that of the non-CO2 modified material. Additionally, the density increased by 3.2 %, and porosity was reduced by 34.1 %. Among them, TG/DTG analysis found that the highest effective fixed CO2 rate was 11.1 %. The ultrasonic nondestructive testing also shown that the structure of the CO2-modified cementitious material was significantly better than that of the CFBFA-CS-FGDG composite cementitious system, and the ultrasonic loss rate was reduced by 9.4 %. Therefore, the use of CO2 to modify the composite system was of great significance for the realization of CO2 storage and the improvement of the properties of composite materials. One interesting future possibility is solid waste-based grouting materials production at energy plants: CFBFA, CS and FGDG can be used to capture CO2 from flue gases, thus improving the strength of produced grouting materials. [Display omitted] •New and original process for preparing grouting materials with solid wastes and CO2 is proposed.•CO2 can effectively enhance the CFBFA-CS-FGDG composite system structure and properties.•The mechanism of preparing grouting materials from solid wastes modified by CO2 was revealed.