Durability and CO2 sequestration capacity of carbon sequestration foamed concrete under magnesium and sodium sulfate attacks

[Geoengineering News]

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S095006182600406X

Authors: Xiang Zhang, Songyu Liu, Kai Wu, Zhenyang Yuan, Zengfeng, Guojun Cai 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2026.145506

09 February 2026

Highlights

•Sulfate attack slightly alters hydration–carbonation but preserves pore integrity.

•Mg2+ supply facilitates hydrated magnesium carbonates formation under attack.

•CO2 sequestration capacity remains stable under MgSO4 and Na2SO4 exposures.

Abstract

Carbon sequestration foamed concrete (CFC) is primarily composed of MgO, serpentine, silty clay, water and carbon dioxide (CO2) foam. CFC has been extensively studied in previous literature for its exceptional performance in CO2 sequestration. However, the lack of studies on the durability of CFC under sulfate attack remains a significant challenge for its large-scale application as a building material. This study investigated the durability and CO2 sequestration of CFC under chemical sulfate attack by evaluating the changes in specimen volume, mass, phase identification and CO2 sequestration capacity. The CFC specimens were exposed to magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) and sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) solutions for 10, 20 and 30 days, respectively, after which a series of tests were conducted. The results indicate that CFC exhibits enhanced sulfate resistance when exposed to MgSO4 and Na2SO4 solutions. The findings provide a foundation for improving the durability of foamed concrete under harsh environmental conditions.

Source: ScienceDirect