12 November 2024
A greener cement future
Cement production is one of the largest sources of carbon dioxide emissions in industry, and the need for more sustainable alternatives is urgent. In collaboration with RISE and Boliden, researchers have developed an innovative product based on a side stream (slag) from metal extraction, which can be used as a replacement material for traditional cement.
“In the so-called pyrometallurgical extraction of copper, more of this side stream is generated than the metal itself. The product thus provides both increased resource efficiency for the smelters while reducing carbon dioxide emissions from the cement industry,” says Fredrik Engström, Associate Professor of Process Metallurgy at Luleå University of Technology.
The product, which has been verified in both laboratory and pilot scale, has the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 95% compared to conventional cement.
“The product is a typical example of how innovation, adaptability and over a hundred years of engineering can pave the way for a brighter future for future generations,” says Åke Roos, Program Manager at Boliden.
The work is based on advanced thermodynamic studies that have shown that it is possible to develop a high-performance cement replacement product with low climate impact. The product is scalable and plans for an industrial demonstration plant with a capacity of 300,000 tons per year are already in full swing. Several patents have also been filed to protect this breakthrough technology.
The research collaboration has brought together expertise in metallurgy, physics and cement chemistry from universities, institutes and industry. The new product can help reduce the use of Portland cement and other binders that cause high climate impact, while promoting circular economy and resource efficiency. The initiative is in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goals 12 and 13, which focus on sustainable production and climate action.
Researchers in charge
Åke Roos, Anders Öhrvall, Magnus Ek, Peter Johansson, Linus Brander, Katarina Malaga, Urs Mueller, Bo Björkman, Caisa Samuelsson, Jenny Isaksson, Andreas Lennartsson, Anton Andersson, Fredrik Engström.
IVA's 100 List
The project is one of eight from Luleå University of Technology featured on the 2024 edition of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences' (IVA) prestigious 100 list. The research projects on the list are considered to have great potential for practical application through commercialisation, business and method development, or societal impact.
Contact
Fredrik Engström
- Associate Professor, Tmp. Head of Subject
- 0920-491388
- fredrik.i.engstrom@ltu.se
- Fredrik Engström
Published:
Updated: