The anomalous solidification of concrete grindings from acid treatment
We report that concrete grinding from highway maintenance operations produces large amounts of a highly basic liquid residue, posing a significant challenge to proper disposal. To discard this residue with little risk to human health or the environment, it should be solidified and its pH should be neutralized. Herein we present the serendipitous discovery that both goals can be met by treatment with citric acid. Through the use of 13 C and 29 Si solid-state NMR we determined that such treatment removes the calcium from the concrete structure, thus allowing the solubilization of its one-dimensional silica chains. These silica chains then cross-link in solution forming a highly porous silica material that is able to absorb the water from the residue. Finally, this new waste treatment process, which may utilize other acids with low water content, promises to facilitate a significantly improved methodology for the disposal of concrete grinding residue in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.