CO₂ Sequestrating Strain Hardening Reactive Magnesium Oxide Composites
1 October 2026
Affiliation
NTU
Focus topic
CO2-to-Aggregates
Strain-hardening MgO composite sequesters CO₂ in concrete
Summary
The invention is a construction material that absorbs CO₂ as it cures, built on reactive magnesium oxide cement with fly ash and short polymer fibres in place of Portland cement.
Achievements: samples cured at 10% CO₂, 30oC and 90% relative humidity for 7 days achieved tensile strain capacity above 1%, roughly a hundred times that of conventional concrete, with average crack widths under 100 micrometres - confirming genuine strain-hardening rather than brittle failure. Reducing the water-to-binder ratio from 0.53 to 0.41 improved first-cracking strength, ultimate tensile strength and ductility together, and CO₂ uptake during curing was quantified by thermogravimetric analysis.
Carbon abatement combines CO₂ sequestered during curing with clinker displaced.
What makes this novel compared to best-in-class technology?
Carbonated cements are usually brittle and crack suddenly. Adding fibres to this magnesium-based material changes how it fails, so it stretches and holds together instead. It therefore offers a structural performance benefit on top of absorbing CO₂ as it hardens.
TRL Level
1-3
Relevant for
Precast and construction materials producers, infrastructure repair and ductile concrete applications
About
Inventors: Yang En-Hua, Qiu Jishen, Cise Unluer, Ruan Shaoqin
Affiliation: Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
Contact NTU for licensing opportunities and more information.
Please quote ID ref [TD/021/16] in your email.