Lithuanian researchers develop Portland cement on industrial waste

In Lithuania, scientists of Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) are developing methods for producing concrete without cement, using industrial waste – fly ash. The final product is as strong as the traditional concrete, is more resilient to damaging effects of acid, and more stable in cases of expose to extreme heat and cold.

In order to produce 1 metric ton of Portland cement, a basic ingredient of concrete and most commonly used type of cement around the world, up to 1 ton of carbon dioxide (CO2) is released. It is estimated that the global cement industry is responsible for 7 percent of yearly carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. Aiming to reduce the negative concrete industry’s impact on the environment, KTU researchers have been investigating methods of substituting Portland cement with other materials.