Synthesis of Cement-Like Materials from Wastes by Solid-State Reaction and Solution Combustion Techniques

As a result of high carbon dioxide emission and production of dust from quarrying process, utilization of industrial and agricultural wastes as alternative raw materials for cement manufacturing, thus, has a pronounced positive impact on environment. This study aimed at utilizing distinctive powder synthesis techniques to produce cement-like materials from cockleshells, rice husk ash, and alumina waste. Solid-state reaction and solution combustion techniques were employed in the powder processing. The powders were mixed with water, cast and cured for 7 days. Compositional analysis of the synthesized powders as well as microstructural examinations of the cast specimens revealed that all powders and cast specimens had similar features compared with Portland cement. Results from scanning electron microscopy indicated that the cast specimens prepared from synthesized powders yielded phases identical to those of Portland cement.