How CO₂ mineralisation is driving the future of cement

This brief lunchtime seminar, hosted by ICEC-MCM (Interdisciplinary Circular Economy Centre for Mineral-based Construction Minerals), will discuss a new approach to capture CO₂ and significantly reduce CO₂ emissions associated with cement production.

This new carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) approach introduces a novel approach to CO₂ mineralisation of cement paste from recycled concrete.

The feasibility of the process has been demonstrated at an industrial scale and, following further investigations into optimum carbon conditions and performance in novel composite cements, may be a game changer for industrial cement.

Agenda

Maciej Zajac will lead around 15 minutes of discussion, followed by questions posed from the audience and Leon Black, ICEC-MCM Challenge Lead and Professor of Infrastructure Materials at University of Leeds.

Maciej Zajac

Maciej Zajac is Principal Scientist at Global R&D Heidelberg Cement based in Germany. He leads research efforts to develop innovative and sustainable products as a contribution to climate protection and to generate added value for customers and the company.

The ICEC-MCM

The Interdisciplinary Circular Economy Centre for Mineral-based Construction Materials is a four-year funded project by UKRI and EPSRC as part of the NICER Programme for a Circular Economy. The ICEC-MCM is a joint initiative between UCL, the University of Leeds, Loughborough University, Imperial College London, Lancaster University, the University of Sheffield and BGS and more than 40 industry partners across the construction industry.

The ICEC-MCM research aims to provide national and global leadership as well as capacity for transformative change to circular processes and practices over the whole construction mineral value chain. The centre will explore how better design and manufacturing of products and structures made from mineral materials (such as aggregates, cement and brick) can help the UK’s construction industry to do more with less, reduce waste and lower costs.