carbonateconstructing

carbonateconstructing is an umbrella term used in materials science, geochemistry, and construction to refer to the deliberate creation and manipulation of carbonate-containing substances. It covers both synthetic carbonate minerals such as calcite and aragonite, and carbonate-based construction materials like lime mortars and cementitious binders, as well as engineered processes that promote carbonate formation in situ.

Common methods include chemical precipitation in solution to form calcium carbonate phases; carbonation curing, where CO2 is introduced to set cementitious materials; and biomineralization techniques that use microbes or organic templates to precipitate carbonates. In natural settings, carbonateconstructing also encompasses diagenetic and metamorphic processes that alter rock carbonate content to form higher-order structures.

Applications include mineral carbonation for carbon dioxide sequestration, restoration of historic carbonate structures, and the development of sustainable construction materials that store CO2 or reduce embodied energy. It also informs studies of carbonate rock formation, soil stabilization, and environmental remediation where carbonate minerals are involved.

Key challenges include achieving precise control over crystal polymorphism and morphology, cost and scale of production, material durability under weathering, and environmental impacts of channeling CO2 and reagents. Research focuses on scalable processes, catalysts, and integrated life-cycle assessments.

See also: calcium carbonate, lime putty, cement, biomineralization, microbial induced carbonate precipitation, mineral carbonation.