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CALCINED CLAYS AS A LOW EMISSION CEMENT SUBSTITUTE
Impact/Purpose:
The cement industry is responsible for 3.4 percent of the global anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions contributing to adverse climate changes. Moreover, the World Health Organization states that 1.5 million people die each year from causes directly attributed to indoor air pollution. My doctoral project aims to use calcined clays as a partial cement replacement in concrete, to reduce the energy demand and carbon dioxide emissions of cement manufacturing while meeting the structural functionality and indoor emissions criteria for use as a green building material.
Synopsis
This project is a comprehensive study that focuses on understanding the effects of using calcined clays as sustainable, green building materials. The developed materials will minimize energy demand and carbon dioxide emissions associated with cement manufacturing. In addition, radon emission, ozone interaction, and mold resistance of the new clay-cement blend will be investigated to assess its effects on indoor air quality.
Description:
This study provides a better understanding of clay-cement materials including: (i) their associated energy demand and carbon dioxide emissions of their manufacturing and transport, (ii) their structural performance and properties, and (iii) their emission characteristics affecting indoor air quality. Preliminary research shows that clay requires half of the activation temperature necessary for limestone cement manufacturing. In addition, some supplementary cement materials decrease material porosity, aiding in both external durability and improved indoor air quality. Studies have demonstrated that some green materials, including clay substances, undergo significant oxidation, creating an indoor ozone sink, reducing the indoor ozone concentration levels. It is expected that the clay-cement will display similar qualities.
Potential to Further Environmental/Human Health Protection
The development of green building materials based on calcined clays will have both environmental and health benefits. First, the environmental benefits will include: (i) the energy and carbon dioxide emission reduction in cement manufacturing and transportation, and (ii) the use of local materials for sustainability. Finally, the health benefits will include: (i) minimization of worker health risks by using less toxic materials, and (ii) improved indoor air quality through use of non-emitting cement mixtures.