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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/T01495/01
Title: Super-Critically Carbonated Calcareous Composites
Principal Investigator: Forth, Professor J
Other Investigators:
Brough, Dr AR Page, Professor C
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Buxton Lime Industries Ltd Critical Processes Limited Faber Maunsell Ltd
Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete Assoc Imerys Minerals Ltd Marshalls Mono Ltd
Department: Civil Engineering
Organisation: University of Leeds
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 October 2004 Ends: 30 September 2007 Value (£): 172,652
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Civil Engineering Materials Design of Process systems
Materials Characterisation Materials Processing
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Manufacturing Construction
Related Grants:
GR/T01501/01 GR/T01518/01
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Supercritical carbonation involves exposing cement-based (or other lime-based) materials to carbon dioxide at slightly elevated temperature (>31 C) and pressure (>71 bar). In previous work, we have shown that this can lead to substantial improvements in the strength, toughness, resistance to ageing and dimensional stability of glass fibre reinforced cement composites. We now propose to apply the technique to a number of other carefully designed lime-based composite materials, incorporating other reactive particulates, fibres and admixtures, with a view to fabricating a range of products that are expected to outperform their conventional cement-based analogues both in terms of engineering properties and environmental impacts. The work will involve investigations of the rheological properties of the materials in their green condition to facilitate preforming operations, study of factors that influence the kinetics of supercritical carbonation to enable rapid processing of the composites and solid state NMR, SEM and thermal analysis to elucidate microstructural and chemical features. Various engineering properties of the composites, including strength, toughness, dimensional stability, resistance to ageing and efflorescence, will be evaluated. Using pilot scale industrial facilities for applying supercritical carbonation, a number of demonstration artefacts, including tiles, boards etc, will be produced and their performance critically compared with that of conventional materials in terms of relevant properties and life cycle analysis. The work will involve collaboration between three universities and several industrial organisations will contribute to the project.
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Organisation Website: http://www.leeds.ac.uk