Vaterite-Based Cement for Precast Architectural Applications: Evaluating Performance, Finish, and Embodied Carbon - Research Proposal

This proposal evaluates vaterite-based carbon-mineralized cement, where vaterite is a polymorph of calcium carbonate, as a lower-carbon option for precast architectural concrete. It compares its strength, surface finish and quality, absorption, and carbon impact against Ordinary Portland Cement.

May 20, 2026

Thai Hai An Phung

Lester B. Pearson Scholar, Chemical Engineering, University of Toronto

Like Be the first to like this

Preview

Open

Vaterite-based carbon-mineralized cement is promising because vaterite is a reactive form of calcium carbonate that can support early structure formation. In Fortera-based cement systems, this may help improve early strength, reduce absorption, and lower connected porosity, which are important for durability and surface quality. This proposal therefore evaluates whether Fortera-based mortar can achieve suitable strength, finish quality, and absorption performance while reducing embodied carbon compared with Ordinary Portland Cement.

Thai Hai An Phung (She/Her)

Lester B. Pearson Scholar, Chemical Engineering, University of Toronto

Hi! My name is Thai Hai An Phung, but I go by Ami. I am a second-year Chemical Engineering student at the University of Toronto. I was born in Vietnam and have had the privilege of living in Myanmar, Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Ukraine, and the UK, where I recently graduated from boarding school.

I am passionate about energy, hydrogen, sustainability, materials science, and innovation, and I am especially interested in how engineering can contribute to scalable solutions for decarbonizing large industries. My research will be focused on evaluating mechanical performance and surface quality of novel carbon-mineralized cement!

Outside of academics, I love travelling, hiking, spending time in nature, exploring different cuisines, following motorsports, and trying new experiences. I am excited to be part of the Laidlaw Scholars Community so please feel free to reach out!