Low‐CO₂ cements based on magnesium oxide / hydromagnesite blends – hydration mechanism and mechanical properties

Binders based on blends of reactive magnesia and hydromagnesite are low‐CO₂ or even carbon‐negative cements in case the MgO is generated from magnesium silicates or Mg‐containing brines. When MgO is hydrated with water alone, a well crystalline brucite forms, but no measurable strength is developing. In the presence of hydromagnesite, the hydration of MgO is accelerated and the hydrate assemblage is changed. A poorly‐crystalline brucite containing some carbonate is the main hydration product. Furthermore, a kind of “gel‐water” is observed, which is lost at temperatures above 40‐60°C. This brucite‐like phase is responsible for strength formation in MgO‐hydromagnesite blends. After 28 days, a mortar compressive strength is reached similar to the one of a Portland cement of strength class 32.5.