Abstract
Pure rankinite (C₃S₂) was prepared by calcining a C-S-H gel precursor at a temperature of 1300 °C. The carbonation hardening behavior of the resulting rankinite was revealed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectrum (EDS). The results indicate that the pure rankinite can be easily prepared at a lower temperature. The cubic compressive strengths of the resulting rankinite samples reach a value of 62.5 MPa after 24 h of carbonation curing. The main carbonation products formed during the carbonation process are crystalline calcite, vaterite and highly polymerized amorphous silica gels. The formed carbonation products fill the pores and bind to each other, creating a dense microstructure, which contributes to the excellent mechanical strength. These results provide a novel insight into potential recycling of waste concrete powders for prefabricated building products with lower CO₂ emissions.