Effects of CO2 Curing on Properties of Magnesium Oxysulfate Cement

This paper is based on the basic mechanical properties and volume deformation test, as well as the characterization of hydration products and microstructure properties such as x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and mercury injection method (MIP). The effects of CO2 curing on the mechanical properties, hydration product composition, and microstructure of magnesium oxysulfate (MOS) cement were studied. The results show that the carbonation properties of MOS cement are closely related to the standard air curing age after demolding. The CO2 curing immediately after demolding is not conducive to the development of compressive strength of MOS cement, while the compressive strength of MOS cement in standard air curing for 14 or 28 days after demolding is increased during CO2 curing. The CO2 can prevent the continuous hydration of residual MgO to form Mg(OH)2 or 5·1·7 phase, which affects the development of the compressive strength of MOS cement. The appropriate addition of low-calcium fly ash (L-FA) can compensate the effect of CO2 on the mechanical properties of MOS cement. During CO2 curing, some Mg(OH)2 is transformed into an amorphous phase to increase the compactness of its microstructure and a small amount of Mg(OH)2 reacts with CO2 to form MgCO3·3H2O. The results provide an important theoretical and experimental foundation for the further study of the effects of CO2 on the properties of MOS cement and the use of CO2 curing modification.