Work

Sustainable Low-Carbon Cement: Performance Enhancement with Calcined Natural Pozzolans Through Compressive Strength, Porosity, and Microstructural Analysis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: emissions, necessitating innovative sustainable alternatives. This study evaluates the transformative potential of calcined natural pozzolans as a strategic approach to developing low-carbon cement. By systematically investigating the effects of calcined natural pozzolans derived from kaolinite and pyroclastic rocks on cement paste properties, the research demonstrates a promising pathway to environmentally efficient cement formulations. Utilizing advanced characterization techniques including XRD, TGA, SEM-EDX, and gas adsorption porosimetry, this study provides insights into hydration kinetics, compressive strength development, microstructural evolution, and porosity refinement. The results reveal that calcined natural pozzolans strategically enhance cement performance by accelerating hydration processes, improving compressive strength, and sophisticating microstructural characteristics. Notably, pastes incorporating pyroclastic rock pozzolans exhibited superior mechanical properties, with 28-day compressive strengths exceeding ordinary Portland cement by 35.2%. These findings not only validate the technical feasibility of natural pozzolan-based low-carbon cement but also underscore their potential to meaningfully reduce the construction industry's environmental impact.

Source: Materials

DOI: 10.3390/ma18081776

Authors: Magnolia Soto Felix, Roger Ulisses Hernandez Zamora, Miguel Armando Avila Rubio, Caleb Carreño Gallardo, Jose Martin Herrera Ramirez

Institutions: Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados

Language: English

Topic: Concrete and Cement Materials Research

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137