Clinker CAC

Clinker for Calcium Aluminate Cement:

• Raw Materials:
  • Limestone (CaCO₃) – provides calcium.
  • Bauxite – provides alumina (Al₂O₃). Bauxite is a high-aluminum content ore that contributes the necessary alumina for calcium aluminate formation.
• Composition: The primary chemical components of CAC clinker are calcium aluminates, especially monocalcium aluminate (CaAl₂O₄). Other compounds that might form include dicalcium aluminate (Ca₂Al₂O₅) and trace elements, but the proportion of calcium aluminates dominates the clinker.
• Production Process:
  1. Raw Material Preparation: Limestone and bauxite are mixed in appropriate ratios.
  2. Heating: The mixture is heated in a kiln at temperatures of about 1,400-1,600°C. The high temperatures cause a series of chemical reactions leading to the formation of calcium aluminates.
  3. Clinker Formation: As the material cools, it solidifies into clinker, which is then ground into a fine powder to form Calcium Aluminate Cement.

Properties of CAC Clinker:

• High Alumina Content: The clinker has a higher alumina content compared to Portland cement clinker, which leads to faster hydration and quicker setting times when turned into cement.
• Resistance to Chemicals and Heat: The high proportion of calcium aluminates gives CAC excellent resistance to sulfate attacks, chemical corrosion, and high-temperature environments, making it suitable for specialized applications.

Key Differences from Portland Cement Clinker:

• Chemical Composition: Portland cement clinker primarily contains calcium silicates (like alite and belite), while CAC clinker is dominated by calcium aluminates