8This paper is a discussion of two recent papers by Unluer & Al-Tabbaa [1, 2] which analysed accelerated 9 carbonation of reactive MgO blocks. We suggest that the authors have incorrectly analysed key data, leading 10 to overstated claims of MgO carbonation. Based on reassignment of their X-ray diffraction data, it is proposed 11 that little MgO carbonation occurred in the samples discussed in those papers, with CaCO3 instead forming 12 during accelerated carbonation. We also draw attention to the thermodynamic instability of nesquehonite 13 under ambient conditions, which calls into question the long-term stability of these binders. 14
Discussion
15Cements containing reactive magnesia are of great interest as alternative binders, as they have been 16 proclaimed to embody potentially lower CO2 emissions during manufacture and service. Two recently 17 published papers by Unluer and Al-Tabbaa [1, 2] have added to the body of literature on these cements, 18 studying the effect of hydrated magnesium carbonate (HMC) addition and curing conditions, respectively, on 19 the properties and structure of porous reactive MgO cement blocks exposed to accelerated carbonation 20 conditions. We will focus the discussion here on the first of these two papers, as the results presented in the 21 second are largely an extension of the first, and contain similar points requiring re-analysis. 22In these papers the authors claim to carbonate MgO to form a range of magnesium carbonates which 23 constitute their binding phases; this is a key aspect of the 'green' credentials proposed for these alternative 24 cements. Unfortunately, we are unable to reach the same conclusions made by the authors, based on our 25 own analysis of the data presented in their papers. In our opinion, the scientific discussion in these two 26 papers is based upon poorly-assigned X-ray diffraction patterns, which have led to incorrect interpretations 27 of thermal analysis data, and consequently erroneous claims of high levels of carbonation. 28In the paper "Impact of hydrated magnesium carbonate additives on the carbonation of reactive MgO 29 cements" [1], the authors produce blocks containing natural aggregates, pulverised fuel ash (PFA) as filler, 30and MgO as the key anhydrous precursor, with hydrated magnesium carbonates (HMCs) added to some of 31 the mixes. The combination of hydration and carbonation is proposed to lead to the formation of additional 32 hydrated magnesium carbonates as binding phases, when cured under either natural or accelerated 33 carbonation conditions. The authors achieved some interesting strength data, exceeding 20 MPa in 34 compression in some instances, which shows that their methodology is of some interest. 35However, there are several apparent discrepancies in the peak assignments in the two XRD patterns used by 36 the authors to identify hydration products after accelerated carbonation (Fig. 7 in [1]). This graphic is 37 reproduced here as Figure 1, with our suggested peak assignments for their first set of XRD patt...