Reactions of clinker burning

Below and at 100oc = Evaporation of free water

500oc - 600oc =Release of combined water from clay

600oc 700oc = MgCo3 decomposition

600oc 900oc =CaCO3 decomposition

700oC 900oC = Formation of CaO.Al2O3, 2CaO.FeO, 2CaO.SiO2 and

12 CaO.7Al2O3 begins.

900oC 1200oC =Formation of C3 A, C4AF and C2S

1250 1350oC =Formation of liquid (from mainly C3 A and C4 AF) and

Commencement of C3S formation.

1350oC 1450oC = formation of C3S

1350 1250 o C = Crystallization of liquid into C3A and C4 AF

Alite formation (C3S)

Alite forms above 1250oC in the presence of liquid.

Alite formation steps,

C2S and C dissolve in Clinker melt (from mainly C3A and C4 AF)

Calcium ions migrate towards C2S through chemical diffusion.

C3S is formed and crystallizing out of the liquid

Quantity and properties of liquid influence rate of alite formation.

Low viscosity of liquid facilitates diffusion of ions and therefore chemical reactions i.e., formations

of C3S.

Plant clinker is burnt to achieve a free lime content (CaO) of around 1 %

C2S = (Cao)2.SiO2 , C3S = (Cao)3.SiO2 ,C3 A = (Cao)3.Al2O3 ,

C4AF = (Cao)4.Al2O3 .Fe2O3 , CaO =C