Alkalies in cement: A review I. Forms of Alkalies and their effect on clinker formation

Abstract Alkalies in portland cement clinker occur as sulfates and, depending on the amount of SO3 available, may also be present in calcium silicate and aluminate phases. Introduction of alkalies into clinker minerals modifies their crystal structure which, in turn, can change their hydraulic reactivity. Alkalies affect the clinkering process by modifying the physicochemical properties of the melt formed in the kiln, and may have an adverse effect on the phase composition of clinker.