Carbon consuming concrete (CCC): A comprehensive study on mechanical properties and carbon uptake with electric arc furnace reduction slag

This study executed a series of tests to validate and assess the mechanical characteristics, pore structures, and chemical components of carbon consuming concrete (CCC), which employs an electric arc furnace (EAF) slag to enhance carbon consumption. Mixing variables were categorized based on the cement replacement ratio of electric arc furnace reduction slag (ERS) powder and the use of nanobubble water, which captured carbon dioxide (CO2). The mechanical performance was appraised through a compressive strength test, while the shrinkage behavior in a high-concentration CO2 atmosphere was observed to compare autogenous, drying, and carbonation shrinkage. Matrix homogeneity was determined through mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) analysis. Energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS) mapping, differential thermogravimetry (DTG), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to examine the quantity of carbon fixation and the production of major components. The inclusion of ERS exhibited positive impacts on durability, such as increasing carbonation shrinkage resistance and reducing porosity in the long term. Concurrently, enhancements in compressive strengths were observed owing to the elevated formation of major components. Ultimately, it was established that the incorporation of ERS positively influences the amount of CO2 consumption. [Display omitted] •Carbon consuming concrete (CCC) is developed by using EAF slag and CO2 injected nanobubble water.•Use of ERS exhibits positive effects on reducing porosity.•Increase in the production of CaCO3 is observed when using the CO2 injected nanobubble water.•Incorporation of ERS exhibits increased CO2 reactivity, leading to greater CO2 consumption.•Net consumption amount of externally introduced CO2 is 2.58 % of the weight of CCC specimen.