MIT and CarbonCure study reveals how CO2 mineralization improves concrete strength and microstructure

A new peer-reviewed study from MIT and CarbonCure shows how injecting CO2 into cement paste during mixing creates a stronger, more uniform concrete microstructure. Using real-time Raman microspectroscopy, researchers observed that CO2 triggers a three-stage hydration process, forming nanosized calcium carbonate particles that help build a tightly-woven binder network. The result is about 13% higher early strength and permanent CO2 storage within the concrete. The study clarifies that carbonates do not act as nucleation sites for strength-building calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H), as previously thought. Instead, CO2 helps form a silica gel scaffolding that leads to more evenly distributed C-S-H. This finding gives concrete producers a new framework to optimize mix designs, reduce cement content by 4-6%, and lower costs while maintaining performance. CarbonCure's technology is already used in hundreds of plants across more than 20 countries.