Research on silicoaluminate-based low-carbon cementitious material – a state-of-the-art review

The green and low-carbon production of cement is the essential pathway for infrastructure sustainability and the implementation of a dual-carbon strategy. To mitigate the increasingly criticized environmental impact of cement production, silicoaluminate-based cementitious materials utilizing pozzolanic waste and low-grade materials have received considerable attention in recent years. They not only reduce CO2 emissions but also decrease the reliance on nonrenewable resources, thus promoting the sustainable development of building materials. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the latest research progress on low-carbon cementitious materials based on silicoaluminate and limestone. First, an introduction to the current low-carbon cementitious materials is provided that helps address the necessity of exploring silicoaluminate-based low-carbon cementitious materials. Then, the hydration and microstructure evolution, mechanical properties, and durability characteristics of these new cementitious materials are analyzed. Furthermore, the net benefits of this low-carbon material sustainability are summarized from a life-cycle perspective. Finally, the paper suggests some directions for future research in this field.