acid dissolution.
By studying and mimicking this natural process, the project seeks to develop innovative ceramic production methods that significantly reduce energy use. The goal is to harness the efficiency of nature’s processes to create ceramics sustainably, potentially innovating the industry and reducing its environmental impact.
Speleothems, commonly known as cave formations, are mineral deposits that form in caves mainly through the precipitation of calcium carbonate. The formation process begins above ground where rainwater absorbs carbon dioxide from the soil, forming carbonic acid. This acidic water goes through the ground and reaches limestone, which is mostly composed of calcium carbonate. The carbonic acid reacts with the calcium carbonate in the limestone, dissolving it.
The water, now containing dissolved limestone sediments continues to flow through the cracks and pores of the limestone rock, eventually making its way into a cave. When the calcium bicarbonate-rich water enters a cave, it often comes into contact with the air. The reaction of the mixture with the oxygen of the cave atmosphere causes carbon dioxide to leave the mixture. The change in reaction causes the calcium carbonate to be disposed which slowly precipitates over time. The precipitated calcium carbonate forms the speleothems. Speleothems typically grow very slowly, often at a rate of a few millimeters per year, but this can vary widely depending on the specific conditions within the cave.