An SGER award will support a study of the feasibility of generating dense, strong and hard surface layers on cement surfaces from carbonation reactions of calcium-silica hydrate in the cement with ambient carbon dioxide. The calcium-silicate hydroxide is to be obtained from an initial reation of lithium silicate with calcium hydroxide, producing also lithium hydroxide which is expected to minimize the detrimental alkali-silica reaction. Mechanical, microstructural and reaction rate properties will be determined for a number of compositions in order to optimize the surface properties for strength and impermeability to water. ***
