Effect of carbonation curing on the mechanical properties of belite-rich cement mortar exposed to elevated temperatures

The present study aims to investigate the residual properties of carbonation-cured belite-rich cement mortar exposed to a high temperature. The mortar was carbonation-cured with a 10% CO2 concentration for 28 days and was then exposed to elevated temperatures of 300 degrees C, 600 degrees C, 900 degrees C and 1200 degrees C. The findings revealed that the heat resistance of a cement mortar relative to that of standard water-cured sample was enhanced by carbonation curing. Moreover, it was noted that in comparison to Portland cement mortar, the residual mechanical performance was improved for the carbonation-cured belite-rich cement mortar sample. A physicochemical analysis revealed that the formation of thermally stable calcium carbonate due to carbonation curing was the primary cause of the enhanced residual properties. Furthermore, for samples exposed to 1200 degrees C, it was observed that the carbonation reaction products became thermally stable alite and belite phases.