Effect of calcination temperature on the light burned MgO matrix and its physical properties

Light-burned MgO cement has a lower calcination temperature than ordinary Portland cement. It has been widely studied as a measure to reduce carbon dioxide because of its property of absorbing carbon dioxide during curing. This study investigated the effects of calcination temperature on the physical properties of light hydrated magnesium carbonate and calcined MgO hydrated in moisture and CO2 at 25 degrees C and 60 degrees C. The crystal size of light-burned MgO increased with increasing calcination temperature, and carbonates were formed through carbonation curing. Further, nesquehonite and hydromagnesite were formed in the 25CC and 60CC specimens, respectively, and the carbonate formation reduced with increasing crystal size. The highest compressive strength of 3.5 MPa was obtained for the 25CC specimen in which nesquehonite was formed; however, hydromagnesite exhibited better CO2 sequestration capacity.

Automated summary

The study investigated the effects of calcination temperature on the physical properties of light-burned MgO and carbonates formation. Results showed that the crystal size of light-burned MgO increased with calcination temperature, while carbonate formation decreased with increasing crystal size. Additionally, different carbonate phases formed at different calcination temperatures, with nesquehonite and hydromagnesite identified in the specimens. The highest compressive strength was observed in the specimen with nesquehonite, while hydromagnesite exhibited better CO2 sequestration capacity.