LAUSR

Abstract This paper studies the effect of clinkering temperature and duration on the production, phase evolution and microstructure of low energy Belite Calcium-Sulpho-Aluminate (BCSA) clinkers. The mineralogy and microstructure of BCSA clinker, produced in the temperature range of 1270–1340 °C and clinkering duration periods of 20, 30 and 60 min, were studied by XRD/QXRD and SEM/EDS. In all clinkering conditions belite was detected in both αH′- and β-polymorphs while ye'elimite was mainly formed in the orthorhombic phase, accompanied by small amounts of cubic polymorph. Extensive formation of perovskite was also detected. It was shown that elevated concentrations of Ti and S affect belite's polymorphism; at low clinkering conditions their incorporation in the belite crystal led to the stabilization of αH′-polymorph, while at elevated temperatures their partial release from belite crystals favours the stabilization of β-polymorph. The results highlight the importance of experimental simulation in combination with theoretical clinker design.