In-situ structural analysis of calcium alumino-ferrite formation

Portland cement generates about 0.8 tons of CO2 per cement ton, which contributes to ~7% of total CO2 emissions. Cements with a low-CO2 footprint include Fe-rich (or Ca2FeAlO5-rich or in cement notation C4AF-rich) cement manufactured using industrial wastes such as iron slags, which reduce cement clinkering temperature and the amount of limestone (CaCO3) used. However, the synthesis procedure, including the sintering temperature, heating, and cooling rate affects the structure of C4AF. Furthermore, industrial wastes contain a range of minor elements that may affect the C4AF reactivity. In this work, we propose to investigate the formation and atomic structure evolution upon heating and cooling of C4AF as well as the effects of dopant elements (Zn and Mn) through in-situ X-ray diffraction and total scattering experiments. This study's results will help identify suitable iron slags and synthesis procedures for producing iron-rich low CO2 cement.