Formulation of hydraulic cement from Nigeria seashell and staple crop husk powders

Abstract

Cement clinker compounds are basically formed from the reaction between silica and calcium oxides to form C-S-H hydrate. This study blended enormous agricultural waste products of seashells and staple crop husk powders in different mix proportion to form new cement material. The chemical analysis revealed seashells and staple crop powders contained over 80% calcium and silica oxides respectively. This work further investigated the production of cementitious materials that will conform to Portland cement without any need for chemical activation and heat curing as a practice in alkali-activated cementing material. Some of the physical requirements and chemical composition required for the cement and cement compounds were conducted for this new blended cement material. This is followed up with the determination of optimal strength and fresh properties for cement mortar and paste tests respectively. The benefits of this study include reduction in the green-house gases, re-use of waste products for economic value and better cement properties.