US20240417326
2024-12-19
Chemistry; metallurgy
C04B24/38
The disclosed invention involves a geopolymer concrete composition that integrates dried marine algae powder. This unique formulation includes aluminosilicate materials, an alkaline activator, and optional supplementary cementitious materials. The marine algae powder plays a crucial role by facilitating the direct capture and mineralization of atmospheric carbon dioxide during the curing process. This innovative approach significantly reduces CO2 emissions compared to standard concrete mixes, achieving over 70% lower emissions while enhancing carbon mineralization throughout the material's lifetime.
Traditional Portland cement-based concretes contribute significantly to global CO2 emissions, accounting for about 7-8% of worldwide emissions. The invention addresses this environmental challenge by transforming concrete into a carbon-absorbing material. It provides a scalable solution for infrastructure applications, enabling them to achieve carbon-negative performance. The composition not only reduces emissions during production but also absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere as it cures, offering a promising strategy for climate change mitigation.
Previous attempts to incorporate seawater and freshwater algae in concrete have faced significant limitations, including logistical barriers and slow CO2 absorption kinetics. The invention overcomes these challenges by using marine algae, which possess robust cell structures and higher CO2 affinity. This approach avoids the substantial transportation costs associated with seawater and leverages faster absorption kinetics, enhancing the overall CO2 uptake capacity of the concrete.
The new concrete composition maintains excellent mechanical strength, freeze-thaw resilience, and extended durability properties. It ensures that the structural integrity of the material is not compromised while achieving significant environmental benefits. This balance between performance and sustainability makes it suitable for various construction applications, from sidewalks to high-rise buildings, without sacrificing quality or longevity.
The invention presents a commercially viable solution for reducing the carbon footprint of the construction industry. By integrating marine algae into geopolymer concrete, it offers a cost-effective and scalable method for achieving substantial greenhouse gas reductions. This innovation paves the way for broader adoption of sustainable construction practices, addressing both environmental impact and industry demand for high-performance materials.