Use of industrial wastes for the synthesis of belite clinker

The synthesis of belite clinker was studied using industrial wastes: paper sludge, cement kiln dust and rice husk ashes, as substitutes for natural raw materials. Wastes were characterized by XRF, XRD and TG analysis. Different formulations were prepared to produce clinker at 1300, 1350 and 1400 °C. The clinker obtained was characterized using optical microscopy, XRD and f-CaO content determined by ethylene glycol method. Finally, the hydration of prepared cements with the clinkers was evaluated by isothermal microcalo­rimetry. It was found that by mixing paper sludge, cement kiln dust and rice husk ashes, it is possible to obtain belite clinker with f-CaO content below 0.5%, in clinkering temperatures between 1350 °C and 1400 °C without the use of natural raw materials. It was found that these cements have a high hydration kinetic, far above the rate of Ordinary Portland Cement, due mainly by the amorphous phase content in clinkers obtained.