CarbonCure and MIT Masic Lab to collaborate on carbon mineralisation in concrete

CarbonCure Technologies and The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Masic Lab have agreed to collaborate on new research to delve deeper into the science of injecting and mineralising CO₂ within concrete.

The collaborative research will be led by Admir Masic, MIT Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and principal investigator at MIT’s Concrete Sustainability Hub (CSHub). The Masic Lab investigates the nanochemomechanics of mineralisation and biomineralisation processes of materials ranging from construction materials to archeological and biological materials. The research will also be conducted at the CSHub that brings together leaders from academia, industry and government to develop solutions for sustainable infrastructure. The CSHub includes a multi-year collaboration with the National Ready Mix Concrete Association and state ready mix concrete associations to help the concrete industry accelerate its drive to carbon neutrality.

From nanoscale analysis of concrete samples to observation of large-scale industrial concrete production, the research will include exploration of the kinetics of CO₂ mineralisation within concrete, the quantity, stability, density and spatial distribution of calcium carbonates and improvements in cement hydration efficiency. 

“CarbonCure aims to strengthen the industry’s scientific understanding of the intersection between mineralisation and concrete properties, with a constant focus on enhancing the performance benefits of our technologies and innovating on behalf of our concrete producer partners,” said CarbonCure Chief Technology Officer, Dean Forgeron. “CarbonCure is committed to advancing scientific discovery through such research investments, empowering the concrete industry with the tools required to meet its decarbonisation goals.”

“We look forward to gaining new insights from Professor Masic and his team at MIT,” added Dr Yogiraj Sargam, senior director of research at CarbonCure. “This exciting collaboration will further illuminate the underlying mechanisms of CO₂ mineralisation in cementitious systems with the potential to accelerate acceptance and adoption of this solution by the concrete industry and wider construction sector.”