Abstract: Methods for carbon-capture within a biochar are provided. The method includes mixing a biochar with an alkaline solution to form an intermediate mixture and exposing the intermediate mixture to a CO2 source so as to precipitate calcium carbonate onto and into the biochar to form a CO2-weathered biochar. In some cases, the method also includes injecting CO2 into alkaline wastewater to sequester/store CO2 which can then serve as mixing water for producing cementitious composites. This method may be used to upcycle three waste streams, and treated CO2-weathered biochar preserves compressive strength of resultant concrete when substituted for a portion of the pre-cure cement and aggregate components. Further, treated CO2-weathered recycled aggregate preserves mechanical strength of resultant concrete when substituted for a portion of aggregate.

Abstract: A waterproofing and dual-nano-engineering method and a resultant composition that includes a base sealer dual-nano-modified to alter the surface chemistry of a cementitious substrate and provide the formation of a rough nano/micro-scale hierarchical structure resulting from the introduction of the plurality of nanomaterials. The dual-nano-engineered sealer refines the microstructure of the cementitious substrate while enhancing its hydrophobicity with a water contact angle of at least 120° and increasing its resistance to salt-scaling and UV aging.

Abstract: A cementitious nano-engineered method and resultant composite includes a modified aggregate material configured from a plurality of fine aggregate particles (FAg) particles pretreated with a graphene oxide (GO), wherein the graphene oxide (GO) is further arranged as a plurality of crosslinked structures that arranges for a refined interfacial zone (ITZ) with a thickness of 3 ?m to 10 ?m; and a water/cement (w/c) ratio content configured with the modified aggregate material. The interface of modified aggregate and a cementitious phase largely determines the mechanical properties and durability performances of cement mortar and concrete. Moreover, the methods and composites also provide for a targeted and more efficient approach to develop smart cement composites through nanoengineering of the interfacial transition zone.

Abstract: A deicing formulation, comprising a chemically degraded extract derived from biowaste; and a salt is provided. Methods for preventing ice formation or removing ice from a surface by applying the deicing formula made of chemically degraded extract derived from biowaste and a salt to the surface are also provided.

Abstract: A deicing formulation, comprising a chemically degraded extract derived from biowaste; and a salt is provided. Methods for preventing ice formation or removing ice from a surface by applying the deicing formula made of chemically degraded extract derived from biowaste and a salt to the surface are also provided.

Abstract: A composition comprising: (a) fly ash cementitious binder; and (b) a chemical activator selected from sodium silicate, potassium silicate, sodium sulfate, sodium phosphate, calcium sulfate, potassium sulfate, potassium phosphate, CaO, Fe2O3, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, fine fraction of concrete waste from construction or demolition, cement kiln dust, or a combination thereof, wherein the fly ash is the only cementitious binder present in the composition and the CaO activator, if present, is present in an amount ?10 weight percent, based on the total dry weight of the composition.

Abstract: A composition comprising: (a) fly ash cementitious binder; and (b) a chemical activator selected from sodium silicate, potassium silicate, sodium sulfate, sodium phosphate, calcium sulfate, potassium sulfate, potassium phosphate, CaO, Fe2O3, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, fine fraction of concrete waste from construction or demolition, cement kiln dust, or a combination thereof, wherein the fly ash is the only cementitious binder present in the composition and the CaO activator, if present, is present in an amount ?10 weight percent, based on the total dry weight of the composition.