Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Texas State University received a $200,000 Engineering Research Initiation (ERI) Project Grant from the National Science Foundation's Directorate for Engineering (CFDA 47.041), awarded September 1, 2026, with completion scheduled for August 31, 2028. The project delivers fundamental research investigating how nanoscale additives influence carbonation processes in cement-based materials. The research combines controlled carbonation experiments with microstructural characterization and mechanical testing to establish relationships between nanoscale processes and bulk material properties, specifically examining how nanoparticles affect calcium carbonate formation, crystal structure, and distribution in cement exposed to carbon dioxide. Life cycle assessment and decision-making tools will evaluate environmental performance outcomes.

The project advances infrastructure reliability and durability by developing methods to direct carbonation reactions—a process that, under controlled conditions, can improve material density and mechanical properties compared to uncontrolled environmental exposure. The research provides tangible outcomes including fundamental understanding of nanoparticle-carbonation interactions, strengthened cement-based material formulations with extended service life, and educational training for students in experimental materials research and characterization. Work is performed at Texas State University's San Marcos campus.