METHOD FOR ENHANCEMENT OF MECHANICAL STRENGTH AND CO2 STORAGE IN CEMENTITIOUS PRODUCTS

Abstract

A method for curing cementitious articles includes flowing dry steam and carbon dioxide (CO2) simultaneously into a curing chamber containing a cementitious article. A relative humidity within the curing chamber may be between about 50% and about 70% and a temperature within the curing chamber may be between about 50° C. and about 70° C. A dry steam and CO2 mixture with a CO2 concentration between 2.5 vol % and 40 vol % is provided in the curing chamber and the cementitious article is cured for a duration between about 4 hours and 16 hours. Cementitious products cured with the method may have a CO2 uptake of greater than 15 wt % and a mechanical strength at least 10% greater than a cementitious product cured only in dry steam or CO2.