Work

Properties of Fe-bearing Mg silicate glasses as novel supplementary cementitious materials

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Blended cements incorporating supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) play a key role in reducing the carbon footprint of Portland cement. As conventional SCMs (e.g., slags and fly ashes) are phasing out, the development of alternative materials is crucial. This study evaluates synthetic Fe-bearing Mg silicate glasses as potential low-carbon SCMs, free from direct CO2 emissions associated with raw material processing. Three types of synthetic glasses (Mg-Si, Fe3+-Mg-Si, and Fe2+/Fe3+-Mg-Si glasses) were assessed for their pozzolanic activity and used to replace 20 wt.% of Portland cement. Mortar samples incorporating these glasses demonstrated a strength activity index increase of up to 120% compared to control samples. Microstructural analysis revealed enhanced formation of C-(A-)S-H and Fe-bearing Mg-containing phases, including Mg-Al(Fe) layered double hydroxides (LDHs). The incorporation of Fe was observed to promote Al mobilization, facilitating early sulfate reactions and potentially influencing cement hydration kinetics. The work shows how non-conventional glass-based SCMs can be developed and used in blended cements with enhanced performance and reduced carbon footprint.

Source: Chemical Engineering Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2026.123472

Authors: Chuqing Jiang, Hellen Silva Santos, Labeed Ahmad, Juho Yliniemi, Christopher Cheeseman, Paivo Kinnunen

Institutions: University of Oulu, Imperial College London

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

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,050