Optimising cement systems containing amorphous precipitated silica derived from olivine, limestone and gypsum
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Ong, Pei
Li, Chenyang
Cheeseman, Chris
Wong, Hong
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Amorphous precipitated silica (APS) derived from olivine has potential to be used as a pozzolanic supplementary cementitious material, but high specific surface area reduces mix workability, accelerates sulphate depletion and decreases early age strength. This study investigates the feasibility of blending Portland cement with APS, limestone and gypsum to address these issues. Quaternary binders containing 5 – 20 wt.% limestone and 2 wt.% gypsum were prepared at CEM I: APS mass ratio of 8:2. Results show that limestone improves workability and early hydration reactions, while gypsum stabilises sulphate availability and promotes strength development. Mortars with a binder system containing 10 wt.% limestone
with 2 wt.% gypsum show comparable workability and strength to control mortars. The research demonstrates that olivine-derived APS can be combined with limestone and gypsum to form a viable low-carbon cement with reduced clinker content.
with 2 wt.% gypsum show comparable workability and strength to control mortars. The research demonstrates that olivine-derived APS can be combined with limestone and gypsum to form a viable low-carbon cement with reduced clinker content.
Date Issued
2026-09-01
Date Acceptance
2026-06-15
Citation
Cement, 2026, 25
ISSN
2666-5492
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal / Book Title
Cement
Volume
25
Copyright Statement
© 2026 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ ).
License URL
Identifier
10.1016/j.cement.2026.100187
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
100187
Date Publish Online
2026-06-19