Investigating synthetic dolomite mixtures and phase adjustment parameters in electrochemical cement precursor production

The precursor material of Portland cement (PC) colloquially referred to as clinker is produced primarily via calcination of limestone (CaCO3). Magnesia-based cements can similarly be formed via calcination of magnesite (MgCO3) among other routes. Dolomitic minerals typically contain a mixture of these carbonate mineral phases. The current study monitors and explores the electrochemical transformation of CaCO3 and MgCO3 synthetic mixtures approximating dolomite and investigates their applicability in forming cementitious phases. The transformation of such mixtures indicates that Mg and Ca-based electrolysis products namely Ca(OH)2 and Mg(OH)2, respectively display different precipitation parameters. Mg(OH)2 precipitates more rapidly in the form of flower-shaped micro-aggregates while Ca(OH)2 forms slower in comparison, precipitating in larger hexagonal prismatic structures. These findings point towards possible mixture separation techniques for PC and Magnesia-based cements.