Effects of Curing Regimes on Calcium Oxide–Belite–Calcium Sulfoaluminate-Based Aerated Concrete

This study delves into the effects of carbonation curing and autoclave-carbonation curing on the properties of calcium oxide-belite-calcium sulfoaluminate (CBSAC) cementitious material aerated concrete. The objective is to produce aerated concrete that adheres to the strength index in the Chinese standard GB/T 11968 while simultaneously mitigating CO₂ emissions from cement factories. Results show that the compressive strength of CBSAC aerated concrete with different curing regimes (autoclave curing, carbonation curing, and autoclave-carbonation curing) can reach 4.3, 0.8, and 4.1 MPa, respectively. In autoclave-carbonation curing, delaying CO₂ injection allows for better CO₂ diffusion and reaction within the pores, increases the carbonation degree from 19.1% to 55.1%, and the bulk density from 603.7 kg/m³ to 640.2 kg/m³. Additionally, microstructural analysis reveals that delaying the injection of CO₂ minimally disrupts internal hydrothermal synthesis, along with the formation of calcium carbonate clusters and needle-like silica gels, leading to a higher pore wall density. The industrial implementation of autoclavecarbonation curing results in CBSAC aerated concrete with a CO₂ sequestration capacity ranging from 40 to 60 kg/m³ and a compressive strength spanning from 3.6 to 4.2 MPa. This innovative approach effectively mitigates the carbon emission pressures faced by CBSAC manufacturers.