In November 2018, the company Cementos Progreso realized an industrial trial for the manufacture of more than 100 tons of LC3 – Low Carbon Cement. LC3-project member Prof Fernando Martirena and his team from CIDEM in Cuba assisted in the production.
The calcination of kaolinitic clay was carried out in a rotary kiln at temperatures around 700-900 °C. The team followed up the calcination and proved that the material was completely dehydroxilated. LC3 was interground in an industrial ball mill.
The material was used for several applications with excellent results, including:
- Concrete: regarding compressive strength LC3 concrete overtakes concrete made with a structural cement with 90% clinker content after 3 days
- Dry mortar and concrete: the material was used to make dry mix
- Masonry mortar: LC3 used for a wall of concrete blocks