Outstanding aspects on the use of spent FCC catalyst in binders

Abstract

FCC is a waste material from petrochemical plants which has interesting properties for preparing binders. FCC is lightly grey in color, and white FCC-portland cements with L*≥85 can be prepared. FCC reactivity is enhanced by grinding and it is attributed to pozzolanic reaction towards lime. Stratlingite is the main hydrated product from pozzolanic reaction, and CSH and CAH are also formed. Reactivity of FCC is high, and low curing temperature does not affect this contribution to strength in hardened mixtures. Additionally, high strength concrete can be easily prepared, and compressive strength greater 100MPa can be reached. Mixtures with low w/b ratio showed good behaviour in carbonation tests.