Sintering of Sulphoaluminate Clinker

Sulphoaluminates or expansive cement clinker, which contains 4CaO.3Al2O3.SO3 (C4A3S) as the predominant crystal phase, can be synthesized at a significantly lower temperature (1100–1200°C) than Portland cement clinker (approx. 1500°C). We have investigated the process of dynamic sintering of sulphoaluminate clinker using dilatometry analysis with the purpose of establishing the mechanism of mass transport. Considering the fact that sulphoaluminate clinker is obtained at lower temperatures, it was useful to establish whether clinker of this cement could be ground more easily, as a high amount of specific energy is used for this operation.