LC-RES: Alternatives for the development of LC3 cements from waste materials generated in Spain
Principal researchers:
MARÍA VICTORIA BORRACHERO ROSADO
LOURDES SORIANO MARTÍNEZ
Team members:
- ESTER GIMÉNEZ CARBÓ
- ANA Mª MELLADO MARTÍNEZ
- JORDI PAYÁ BERNABEU
- JOSE MARÍA MONZÓ BALBUENA
- LUCIA REIG CERDÁ
- PAOLA VARGAS (FPI)
- ANA Mª MACIÁN
- MAURO M.TASHIMA
- JORGE IVAN TOBÓN
- FERNANDO MARTIRENA
Funding Agency:
Duration: 01/09/2022 – 31/08/2026
Reference: PID2021-125890OB-I00
Abstract
The construction industry consumes high amounts of raw materials and is responsible of 7-8% of the anthropogenic CO2 worldwide. The carbon footprint is a critical issue that we are facing nowadays, and the reduction of CO2 emissions is of utmost importance to comply with the 13th Sustainable Development Goals of Climate Actions. The cement industry has adopted various actions to diminish the greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere, such as reducing the energy required to produce clinker or developing new cements (Calcium sulfoaluminate and Belite cements). In addition, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) have also been intensively used in pozzolanic cements (type CEM IV), as part of CEM II and III, or even replacing CEM I in the production of concrete. Nevertheless, although these alternative binders reduce the emissions of Portland cement (PC), they are not enough.
In this context, this research project aims to develop a new environmental-friendly binder. In general, LC3 binders contains about 50% of clinker, 30% calcined clay, 15% limestone, and around 5% gypsum (used as setting regulator). We propose replacing natural raw materials (clays and limestone) with waste materials generated in Spain. This research area is part of the thematic priorities of State Plan for Scientific, Technical and Innovation Research 2021-2023, specifically involved in the 5th thematic group, devoted to climate, energy and mobility. The new cement LC3 could be included in the recently published cements regulation (UNE-EN 197-5 2021), designated as CEM II/C-M. The project is vital for developing LC3 technology in Spain, and the cement and clay industries support the proposal.
As a source of calcined clay, the use of lower quality clays discarded by the ceramic industry will be explored, and the use of ceramic tiles waste generated in the Valencian Community. The fluid catalytic cracking catalyst residue (FCC) is an industrial waste that will be used as a source of alumina and silica. The chemical composition of this material is similar to metakaolin, and the research group has extensively studied it. As waste material replacing limestone, it is proposed to use cutting-marble mud and waste generated from crushing limestone and dolomite aggregates. Another possibility is the use of the fine fraction of construction and demolition wastes since it is well carbonated. Compared to the current technology used in the production of LC3 cements, the main innovation is the use of waste materials to replace natural clays and limestone. Additionally, the use of dolomite is innovative since no references have been found on the use of this material. Once the composition of these mixtures has been established, and their reactivity analysed, the influence of fast setting additives in mortars would be assessed. Durability and carbon footprint studies would be performed. Finally, a specific task of preparing different types of concretes have been included using the LC3 cements.
