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Open Access Original Research Report Issue
Effects of CO2 curing on hydration behavior, strength development, and microstructural evolution of coal gangue-based cementitious materials
Materials Reports: Solidwaste and Ecomaterials 2026, 2: 9520024
Published: 18 March 2026
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The large-scale generation of coal gangue in China presents urgent challenges for resource utilization and carbon emission reduction. This study investigates the preparation and performance optimization of a limestone–calcined coal gangue cement (LCC) system under CO2 mineralization curing. Experimental methods—including X-ray diffraction (XRD) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP)—combined with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to examine how Ca(OH)2 content and pore structure influence hydration, carbonation, and strength development. Results showed that moderate incorporation of Ca(OH)2 (10–20 wt% relative to gangue) under CO2 curing enhanced 28-day compressive strength by up to 14.9%, owing to the formation of CaCO3 which densifies the matrix and reduces porosity. However, excessive Ca(OH)2 caused micropores and strength loss. MIP revealed that refined pore structure, particularly increased gel pores (< 10 nm), was correlated with strength gains. MD simulations further demonstrated that larger pore sizes (e.g., 24 Å) promoted CO2 diffusion and adsorption, while nanoscale confinement hindered transport due to structured water layers. Overall, the LCC system with optimized Ca(OH)2 content and pore architecture not only matches the strength of ordinary Portland cement but also enables CO2 sequestration. This research offers a low-carbon strategy for coal gangue valorization and provides multiscale insights for designing sustainable cementitious materials.

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