Effects of Accelerated Carbonation Testing and by-Product Allocation on the CO2-Sequestration-to-Emission Ratios of Fly Ash-Based Binder Systems

Carbonation of cementitious binders implies gradual capture of CO2 and significant compensation for the abundant cement-related CO2 emissions. Therefore, one should always look at the CO2-sequestration-to-emission ratio (CO2SP/EM). Here, this was done for High-Volume Fly Ash (HVFA) mortar (versus two commercial cement mortars). Regarding their CO2 sequestration potential, effects of accelerated testing (at 1-10% CO2) on as such estimated natural carbonation degrees and rates were studied. Production related CO2 emissions were evaluated using life cycle assessment with no/economic allocation for fly ash. Natural carbonation rates estimated from accelerated tests significantly underestimate actual natural carbonation rates (with 29-59% for HVFA mortar) while corresponding carbonation degrees are significantly overestimated (67-74% as opposed to the actual 58% for HVFA mortar). It is advised to stick with the more time-consuming natural tests. Even then, CO2SP/EM values can vary considerably depending on whether economic allocation coefficients (C-e) were considered. This approach imposes significant portions of the CO2 emissions of coal-fired electricity production onto fly ash originating from Germany, China, UK, US and Canada. C-e values of >= 0.50% lower the potential CO2SP/EM values up to a point that it seems no longer environmentally worthwhile to aim at high-volume replacement of Portland cement/clinker by fly ash.

Automated summary

Carbonation of cement contributes to CO2 sequestration and compensation for emissions. Accelerated testing underestimates natural carbonation rates and overestimates carbonation degrees. CO2SP/EM values can vary significantly depending on economic allocation coefficients.