A Comparative Thermodynamic Screening Framework for Evaluating Waste-Derived Raw Meals in Low-Temperature Clinker Production

This study proposes a comparative screening framework for evaluating the feasibility of low-temperature clinker production using waste-derived raw meals. The framework integrates compositional compatibility, process conditions, clinker-formation indicators, melt-related constraints, and cement performance into a unified four-stage evaluation logic. A secondary-data analysis was conducted using three benchmark sources representing waste-derived substitution, mineralizer-assisted reduced-temperature clinker formation, and thermodynamic screening. The results show that MSWI bottom ash remains compositionally feasible only up to approximately 12.4 wt.% substitution, primarily limited by Fe2O3 content. In the mineralizer benchmark, clinker produced at 1350 °C with 0.067 wt.% F and 2.2 wt.% SO3 exhibited burnability and performance comparable to a 1450 °C reference, whereas further reduction to 1300 °C required 0.270 wt.% F and resulted in reduced density, delayed setting, and lower compressive strength. These results demonstrate that reduced-temperature clinker feasibility depends not only on temperature reduction but also on compositional balance and melt-phase behavior. The proposed framework enables classification of candidate systems as favorable, conditionally feasible, or constrained prior to experimental validation and can serve as a preliminary decision-support tool for waste-derived clinker design.