Herein discloses a method of carbonating reactive magnesia cement, which includes: (i) providing an aqueous suspension including a carbon dioxide-producing bacteria; (ii) mixing the aqueous suspension with a precursor which the carbon dioxide-producing bacteria generates carbon dioxide from for a duration to form an aqueous mixture sufficient for substantially carbonating the reactive magnesia cement; (iii) mixing the aqueous mixture with the reactive magnesia cement to form a blend; wherein a nutrient is provided in the aqueous suspension of step (i) or in the reactive magnesia cement of step (iii) to sustain the carbon dioxide-producing bacteria in the reactive magnesia cement; and (iv) curing the blend to carbonate the reactive magnesia cement. A reactive magnesia cement composite formed by the method is also disclosed.

Herein discloses a method of carbonating reactive magnesia cement, which includes: (i) providing an aqueous suspension including a carbon dioxide-producing bacteria; (ii) mixing the aqueous suspension with a precursor which the carbon dioxide-producing bacteria generates carbon dioxide from for a duration to form an aqueous mixture sufficient for substantially carbonating the reactive magnesia cement; (iii) mixing the aqueous mixture with the reactive magnesia cement to form a blend; wherein a nutrient is provided in the aqueous suspension of step (i) or in the reactive magnesia cement of step (iii) to sustain the carbon dioxide-producing bacteria in the reactive magnesia cement; and (iv) curing the blend to carbonate the reactive magnesia cement. A reactive magnesia cement composite formed by the method is also disclosed.

Disclosed are biopolymeric and biologically active mortars suitable for use in providing building materials having enhanced physical properties. Further disclosed are methods for making and using the disclosed materials.

Disclosed are biopolymeric and biologically active mortars suitable for use in providing building materials having enhanced physical properties. Further disclosed are methods for making and using the disclosed materials.

Method for manufacturing a concrete from activated slag, comprising at least the steps consisting of: a) arranging a premixture P of water and granulates, the temperature of the premixture P being at least equal to 10° C., b) arranging an activation system A comprising at least a co-binder, a chelating agent, an alkali metal carbonate and a carbonated material different from the alkali metal carbonate, c) incorporating the activation system A and a slag S by mixing them into the premixture P, the activation system A and slag S being introduced successively and/or simultaneously, d) continuing the mixing until a fresh concrete is obtained, and e) allowing the fresh concrete to cure.

The invention relates to a formulation of a low carbon construction binder including, in a dehydrated form, a raw clay matrix and a deflocculating agent. It also relates to a construction binder, a method of preparing this construction binder, as well as a construction material comprising the construction binder according to the invention.

Various cement-containing compositions are disclosed, including insulating cement, forms, and prefabricated building materials produced from cement-containing compositions with insulating properties. Some of the preferred embodiments include expanded polystyrene and an acrylic component to provide enhanced insulating properties, or have a lower density, lighter weight, and increased insulating R-value in comparison with other cement-containing compositions.

Various cement-containing compositions are disclosed, including insulating cement, forms, and prefabricated building materials produced from cement-containing compositions with insulating properties. Some of the preferred embodiments include expanded polystyrene and an acrylic component to provide enhanced insulating properties, or have a lower density, lighter weight, and increased insulating R-value in comparison with other cement-containing compositions.

The use of an additive, including at least one water-soluble polymer, which is a homo-or copolymer of at least one monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, and optionally at least one alkali silicate as a liquefier for geopolymers. The additive can be produced in a simple and inexpensive manner and is particularly suitable for liquefying geopolymers, in particular geopolymers containing metakaolin.

A set control composition for cementitious systems comprises (a) an amine-glyoxylic acid condensate, and (b) at least one of (i) a borate source and (ii) a carbonate source. The carbonate source is selected from inorganic carbonates having an aqueous solubility of 0.1 gL.sup.−1 or more, and organic carbonates. The set control composition improves workability of cementitious systems for prolonged periods of time without compromising early compressive strength. Due to the retarding action of the set control composition, the dosage of dispersant(s) necessary to obtain a desired flowability of the cementitious system can be reduced.