Image: Markus Broström
PhD project within the Industrial Doctoral School at Umeå University
In cement production, increased use of alternative raw materials—such as metallurgical slags—can enhance resource efficiency and promote circularity. However, these materials may also introduce problematic compounds and cause process disruptions due to their associated trace elements. The project aims to advance understanding of reaction pathways and behavior of minor and trace elements throughout the cement production process. Investigations will be conducted at laboratory and industrial scales and the findings will support cement producers in optimizing the use of alternative raw materials.
Industrial Doctoral School, 50 percent
Heidelberg Materials Cement Sverige AB, 50 percent
With the ongoing decarbonisation of the process industry, a growing number of industrial residual materials are being investigated for their potential use as alternative raw materials in cement production. Incorporating these materials into the cement industry can enhance resource efficiency, promote circularity, and decrease the carbon footprint of the product. However, their use also introduces elevated levels of trace elements, which may disrupt the cement manufacturing process and lead to the formation of potentially problematic compounds in the final concrete product.These elements normally only occur in concentrations below 0.01 wt-% in ordinary Portland cement and are therefore classified as trace elements. In some industrial residues, however, they may reach levels of up to several percent of the total weight, with some examples being chromium, vanadium, manganese, titanium and copper.
To address these challenges, it is essential to control the speciation of trace elements and map their reaction pathways throughout the cement production process. This project aims to generate new knowledge on trace elements, focusing on their chemical reactions at high temperatures, their influence on kiln operation, cement hydration behaviour, and leaching characteristics in the final concrete structure. The outcomes will provide cement producers with a scientific foundation for the sustainable use of alternative raw materials, while ensuring product quality is maintained.
The research will concentrate on metallurgical slags as a substitute raw material for cement production. These materials will be studied under controlled laboratory conditions, supported by advanced analytical tools and chemical equilibrium calculations. Particular attention will be given to the thermal behaviour and transformation mechanisms of trace elements. The findings will be used to develop general predictive models, which will be applied and validated in industrial processes to support implementation and decision-making.
The project is hosted by the Department of Applied Physics and Electronics at Umeå University, within the Centre for Sustainable Cement and Quicklime Production, and is conducted in close collaboration with Heidelberg Materials Cement Sverige AB.
