Unveiling the key factors for clinker reactivity and cement performance: A physic-chemical and performance investigation of 40 industrial clinkers

This study assessed 40 industrial clinkers from 16 cement plants, determining their physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties and the corresponding cements' strength development and hydration kinetics. Pearson's statistical analysis identified key factors influencing clinker and cement properties. Clinker composition ranged within 56.5–73.9% C₃S, 4.1–24.5% C₂S, 0.8–8.4% C₃A, and 7.4–13.9% C₄AF. The sulfate-alkali ratio significantly impacted C₃A content and polymorphism. Alite crystal size was directly influenced by the CaO content and the sulfate-alkali ratio and inversely by the MgO, K₂O, and F⁻ contents. Clinker grindability was directly affected by the C₃S crystal size and the sulfate-alkali ratio while inversely impacted by the MgO and K₂O contents. Key parameters for early cement hydration included fineness and K₂O content (positive) and C₃S crystal size (negative); larger C₃S crystal size negatively affected cement early strength, while MnO₂ and K₂O presence improved 1-day strength. For 28-day strength, increasing cement fineness and K₂O content were detrimental.