Low-carbon cements: Potential for low-grade calcined clays to form supplementary cementitious materials

The use of low-carbon supplementary cementitious materials (SCM), such as calcined clays, to replace cement clinker has been recognized by the Cement Industry achieve reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. This paper investigates eight low-grade with <20% kaolinite, obtained from different geological formations, that have produce potential SCMs. clays were characterised before and after calcining at 750, 800, 850 900 °C, mineralogical changes amorphous phase contents determined. pozzolanic activity strength index evaluated. results show Oxford Ampthill formations UK can SCMs higher than conventional PFA. These rich illite smectite produced ?60% when °C. Mortars using had compressive strengths mortars containing pulverised fuel ash achieved ?90% 100% Portland mortar samples 28 days. research demonstrates clay resources be these used form reduced total associated CO2