Abstract
Currently, the production of one ton of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) releases considerable amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. As the need and demand for this material grows exponentially, it has become a challenge to increase its production at a time when climate-related problems represent a major global concern. The two main CO2 contributors in this process are fossil fuel combustion to heat the rotary kiln and the chemical reaction associated with the calcination process, in the production of the clinker, the main component of OPC. The current paper presents a critical review of the existent alternative clinker technologies (ACTs) that are under an investigation trial phase or under restricted use for niche applications and that lead to reduced emissions of CO2. Also, the possibility of transition of clinker production from traditional rotary kilns based on fuel combustion processes to electrification is discussed, since this may lead to the partial or even complete elimination of the CO2 combustion-related emissions, arising from the heating of the clinker kiln.
Highlights
The history of cement has had a major impact on the progress of our civilization during the last century [1]
The fulfillment of the before mentioned requirements is the basis for the development of new alternative clinker technologies, any emerging technological solution should be able to compensate for the substitution of the existing ordinary Portland cement (OPC) production best available technology (BAT) in terms of replacement investment
Calcium sulfoaluminate cements (CSACs) are a belitic type of cement, which were developed in the 1970s [44] with the intention of compensating for the lower early-age strengths typically observed in belite-rich cements [44]
Summary
The history of cement has had a major impact on the progress of our civilization during the last century [1]. The group concluded that Portland-based cement approaches will dominate in the near future due to economies of scale, levels of process optimization, availability of raw materials and market confidence, but that two product-based approaches can deliver substantial additional reductions in their global CO2 emissions, over the 20–30 years: increasing the use of low-CO2 additives, or supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), as partial replacements for Portland cement clinker and more efficient use of OPC clinker. The fulfillment of the before mentioned requirements is the basis for the development of new alternative clinker technologies, any emerging technological solution should be able to compensate for the substitution of the existing OPC production BAT in terms of replacement investment. Before deepening into some of the new binders commonly presented as alternatives to OPC, we should revisit the CqauOe‐sStiOfo2rscyesmteemn,t wsehcticohr cisartbhoencnheeumtircaaliltby.aBseefoofreOdPeCepaenndinthgeinrteoassoonmfeoorfittsheownenwsubcincedsesrs ducorminmg tohnelylapsrtecseennttuerdya. s alternatives to OPC, we should revisit the CaO-SiO2 system, which is the chemical base of OPC and the reason for its own success during the last century
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
