MathCrete; Convergence of data and material science: crafting carbon-negative cement

There is great potential for developing “carbon-reactive cement” using globally abundant Mg-bearing silicate minerals, however we understand little about their hydration and carbonation kinetics to control their macro-level properties. Due to the reaction specificities, fundamental questions about the physicochemical aspects remain inadequately addressed by the state-of-the-art material characterisation methods, e.g., X-ray diffraction analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and microscopy techniques. At the convergence of material and data science, we aim to develop a framework for correlative analysis between 3D nano-imaging and conventional techniques to push the boundaries for the development of magnesium-based cements.