This study presents an energy-saving calcination strategy
using
low temperatures and a controlled heating process for preparing partially
calcined limestone. The low temperature and controlled heating ensure
the high activity of the porous oxide and significantly reduce CO2 emissions and energy consumption. Reactants and products
coexist in partial calcination to form a core–shell structure.
Furthermore, the decarbonization of limestone is observed by multiple
characterizations and interpreted visually. The prepared partially
calcined limestone was used as a precursor for the cementitious materials.
The compressive strength of cementitious materials with partially
calcined limestone was significantly enhanced because of: (1) the
increased activity of calcium oxide and (2) the presence of in situ
nuclei. This is further demonstrated by the accelerated reaction heat
release from the isothermal calorimetry test and the microstructure
analysis. The challenges of partial calcination technology and its
expanding applications are also highlighted.