Effect of sulfate content and synthesis conditions on phase composition of belite-ye'elimite-ferrite (BYF) clinker

Abstract

BYF cements are a promising alternative to Portland cement due to their lower CO₂ emissions and energy demand. However, it is essential to assess how production parameters affect BYF clinker composition. In this study, clinkers with varying SO₃ content were synthesized at temperatures of 1100–1400 °C and retention times of 15–120 min. The mineralogy of the produced clinkers was analyzed using X-ray powder diffraction with Rietveld phase analysis. According to the results, firing temperatures of 1300–1350 °C, retention times of 30–60 min, and excess SO₃ are needed to obtain the desired clinker composition. It was proved that SO₃ contributed to the stabilization of β-C₂S and the formation of ye'elimite. Additionally, increasing SO₃ resulted in higher contents of cubic ye'elimite relative to orthorhombic. It was demonstrated that the level of Fe₂O₃ incorporated into C₄A₃$-c increased with the increase of SO_3, as indicated by the decrease in C₄AF and unit cell volume.