Temple University engineer and professor Mehdi Khanzadeh has developed a method for producing sustainable, carbon-enhancing concrete that is just as strong and durable as ordinary concrete. This breakthrough promises to transform the construction industry and reduce CO₂ emissions.
The challenge of traditional concrete
Concrete is the most widely used construction material on the planet, from bridges to skyscrapers. However, its production is one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions, specifically CO₂.
Cement, a key component of concrete, is estimated to generate around 8% of global CO₂ emissions. If the cement industry were a country, it would rank fourth among the largest carbon emitters , behind only China, the United States, and India.
Sustainable concrete will be an ecological solution
Fortunately, the development of carbonatable concrete, a variant that captures CO₂ during the curing process, is proving to be a promising solution. However, the use of this type of concrete has been limited primarily to non-structural concrete blocks due to its lack of strength and durability.
Traditional methods have failed to absorb sufficient CO₂ into the material, limiting their application to smaller, lighter materials.
Khanzadeh’s innovative method
Professor Khanzadeh has overcome these limitations through his research at Temple University. His internal-external CO₂ curing method has been shown to significantly increase the carbonation depth of concrete , improving its strength by 80–100% compared to traditional methods.
This innovation opens the door to using carbonatable concrete in large-scale structures, such as beams and columns, not just blocks and paving stones.
A step towards a greener future
This breakthrough could change the landscape of the construction industry, allowing concrete to become an even more environmentally friendly material . If implemented on a large scale, carbonatable concrete could help reduce the carbon footprint of construction , making infrastructure more durable and greener.
Khanzadeh’s work, which began in 2021, has received recognition in the scientific community, and in 2024, he was awarded an NSF CAREER award to continue his research . Although still in the proof-of-concept phase, the future of carbonatable concrete looks promising, and with further testing, it could become a key tool in mitigating the effects of climate change.
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Source and photo: Temple University
