Effects of CO2-absorbed triethanolamine solutions on strength development of cement mortars and the mechanism: Synergism of cement hydration and carbonation

In this study, the impacts of CO 2 -absorbed triethanolamine solutions (TEA-CO 2 ) on the mechanical property, phase composition and micro-structure of cement mortars were investigated. The results showed that TEA-CO 2 addition increased the 1d, 3d, and 28d compressive strength by 47%, 19%, and 4%, respectively, which suggests a synergistic effect of triethanolamine and absorbed CO 2 on strength development of cement mortars. The enhancement is due to TEA-CO 2 accelerates hydration of aluminate and silicate phases in early age. TEA-CO 2 facilitated CaCO 3 formation to increase cement hydration degree and modify the pore structures . However, the hydration of silicate phases was delayed slightly by TEA-CO 2 at 28d. The above results provide theoretical support for further utilization of CO 2 in cementitious materials .