Carbonation of Thermally Activated Serpentine Minerals: Potential for Portland Cement Replacemnt

By thermally activating and carbonating serpentine minerals, a viable Portland cement substitute which produces water as a byproduct and has negative carbon
footprint can theoretically be produced. The reaction kinetics of activation have been thoroughly studied by varying parameters including time, mass, powder bed
thickness and temperature of the serpentine samples for optimization. Carbonation testing has been done by placing the activated material in a CO₂ -rich environment to produce the Portland cement substitute.  The first ‘concrete’ pellet that showed significant carbonation was produced and is being studied. The activation and carbonation processes will continue to be optimized.