Construction Blocks from C&D Debris Using the Innovative CO₂ Sequestration Technique

Abstract

Due to the demand for energy sources to produce electricity and for functioning of automobiles, the emission of CO₂ gas is being increased nowadays. It is possible to use CO₂ gas and the constructive usage of this waste CO₂ gas emitted will take part in controlling global warming. The application could be made for the production of blocks as its ability to form silica gel in reaction with the already available gel matrix in Construction and Demolition (C&D) debris. This process functions as an internal curing which increases the microstructural property of the block and hence the durability of the block gets enhanced. Here, the portable and fully automized CO₂ sequestration chamber was made from the fund provided by the Government of India. CO₂ gas is passed at a designed pressure in trial to the C&D mixture containing the binder, and hence the immediate hardening of pulverized particles occurs as a result of the chemical reaction between binder and carbon dioxide. This process will be effectively monitored by the CO₂ sensor which is fitted in the chamber and thus the continuous process could be well observed from the computer screen. Humidity probe is connected to the system in which the constant humidity was maintained during the production of blocks and the percentage of humidity will vary depending upon the trial. The blocks produced from the chamber was sun-dried and tested for the various properties such as strength, microstructural, durability, and cost–benefits. Therefore, the outcomes of the carbonated blocks from the portable chamber reveal that it could be an efficient substitute to the conventional specimens.