Synthesis and Characterization of Belite-rich Cement by Exploiting Alumina Sludge

Abstract

Alumina sludge from drinking water treatment plants raises serious environmental concerns. In order to address these concerns, the present study aims at exploiting the alumina sludge generated by water purification unit as a raw material substitute in the production of belite clinkers. The chemical composition, morphology and nature of mineralogical phases in the alumina sludge-based clinkers/ cements are assessed respectively by Fluorescence-X (F-X), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses. Afterwards, the mechanical testing on the synthesized clinker/belite cements is carried out by employing compressive/ flexural strength analysis. The obtained results show that the best clinker is obtained at 1300°C with a lime saturation factor of raw meal in the order of 85.37% without any chemical stabilizers. In addition, we find a compressive strength value of the mentioned clinker in the order of 18.2 MPa during 28 days curing. With these results, the synthesized alumina sludge-based belite-rich cement shows significant potential to be commercialized.