Eco-Friendly Cement Clinker Manufacturing Using Industrial Solid Waste and Natural Idle Resources as Alternative Raw Materials

The production of silicate cement clinker consumes a huge amount of non-renewable mineral resources, resulting in both land degradation and environmental issues. Utilizing alternative silica sources is an effective way to achieve sustainable cement production. The present work reviews the use of industrial solid waste (such as iron tailings, steel slag, red mud, and ceramic waste) and natural idle resources (such as pumice, basalt, and desert sand) as sustainable substitutes for traditional SiO2 sources in silicate cement clinker synthesis. These alternative sources are characterized by their wide availability and low cost, and they are capable of alleviating resource shortages and environmental pressures. The characteristics of clinker calcination, cement hydration, and hardening properties were elaborated. The results demonstrated that by optimizing the dosage of alternative sources and improving the calcination process, the properties of cement clinker can be effectively enhanced, while achieving efficient resource utilization and sustainable environmental development. This review provides a theoretical basis and technical support for promoting the application of industrial solid waste and natural idle resources in the cement industry, and has important guiding significance for promoting the green manufacturing in cement industry.