Sequestering carbon dioxide in industrial polymers: Building materials for the 21st century

Technical Report · Tue Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1993

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10165091· OSTI ID:10165091

Molton, P M; Nelson, D A

This study was undertaken to determine the possibility of developing beneficial uses for carbon dioxide as a key component for a large-volume building product. Such a use may provide an alternative to storing the gas in oceanic sinks or clathrates as a way to slow the rate of global warming. The authors investigated the concept that carbon dioxide might be used with other chemicals to make carbon-dioxide-based polymers which would be lightweight, strong, and economical alternatives to some types of wood and silica-based building materials. As a construction-grade material, carbon dioxide would be fixed in a solid, useful form where it would not contribute to global warming. With the probable imposition of a fuel carbon tax in industrialized countries, this alternative would allow beneficial use of the carbon dioxide and could remove it from the tax basis if legislation were structured appropriately. Hence, there would be an economic driver towards the use of carbon-dioxide-based polymers which would enhance their future applications. Information was obtained through literature searches and personal contacts on carbon dioxide polymers which showed that the concept (1) is technically feasible, (2) is economically defensible, and (3) has an existing industrial infrastructure which could logically develop it. The technology exists for production of building materials which are strong enough for use by industry and which contain up to 90% by weight of carbon dioxide, both chemically and physically bound. A significant side-benefit of using this material would be that it is self-extinguishing in case of fire. This report is the first stage in the investigation. Further work being proposed will provide details on costs, specific applications and volumes, and potential impacts of this technology.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 10165091
• Report Number(s): PNL-SA-22528; ON: DE93016087; TRN: 93:001733
• Resource Relation: Other Information: PBD: Jun 1993
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
CARBON DIOXIDE
USES
POLYMERS
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
BUILDING MATERIALS
CHEMICAL PREPARATION
RESOURCE CONSERVATION
CLIMATIC CHANGE
LEGAL INCENTIVES
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
ARAMIDS
POLYURETHANES
POLYCARBONATES
CHEMICAL FEEDSTOCKS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
320107
360600
BUILDING SYSTEMS
OTHER MATERIALS