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Environ Chem Lett (2011) 9:151166 DOI 10.1007/s10311-010-0302-2
REVIEW
Cement industry: sustainability, challenges and perspectives
F. A. Rodrigues I. Joekes
Received: 26 April 2010 / Accepted: 6 October 2010 / Published online: 23 October 2010 Springer-Verlag 2010
Abstract Cement-based materials, such as concrete and mortars, are used in extremely large amounts. For instance, in 2009 concrete production was superior to 10 billion tons. Cement plays an important role in terms of economic and social relevance since it is fundamental to build and improve infrastructure. On the other hand, this industry is also a heavy polluter. Cement production releases 56% of all carbon dioxide generated by human activities, accounting for about 4% of global warming. It can release huge amounts of persistent organic pollutants, such as dioxins and heavy metals and particles. Energy consumption is also considerable. Cement production use approximately 0.6% of all energy produced in the United States. On the other hand, the chemistry underlying cement production and its applications can be very helpful to overcome these environmental issues. In terms of manufacture, there are many alternative materials that can be used to minimize carbon dioxide production and reduce energy consumption, such as calcium sulfoaluminates and b-Ca2SiO4rich cements. Using residues from other industrial sectors can also improve the sustainability of cement industry. Under adequate conditions, waste materials such as tyres, oils, municipal solid waste and solvents can be used as supplementary fuel in cement plants. Concrete can be used for encapsulation of waste materials such as tyres, plastics and glasses. In this review, we discuss some aspects of the cement industry associated with environmental science. Other issues such as economic aspects, the chemistry of cement manufacture and
its properties are also presented. Special attention is given to the role that cement chemistry can play in terms of sustainability. The most relevant aspects are outlined, such as the use of alternative materials, new possibilities and also the recycling of materials. It is also argued that an important aspect is the role of research and development necessary to improve cement sustainability.
Keywords Cement Sustainability Green chemistry
Carbon dioxide Pollutants
AbbreviationsCKD Cement kiln dustc/s Cement to sand ratioITZ Interfacial transition zoneMDF Macro-defect-free cementNOx Nitrogen oxidesPCDDs Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins PCDFs Polychlorinated dibenzofurans PCBs Polychlorinated biphenylsPAHs Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PCDDs Polychlorinated...