Nouvelle proposition de stage 2026
Cements with high slag content (CEM III/C) or alkali activated slag cements (AAS) are used for special applications such as when sulphate resistance, low hydration heat, fluidity or good mechanical properties are needed, or for nuclear waste conditioning. However, with the goal to decrease carbon emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and EU being the first climate neutral continent by 2050, slag availability and characteristics become uncertain due to the transition from blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces.
With similar cement hydrates and redox properties, alkali activated metakaolin cement (AAMK) can be interesting for difficult wastes to immobilized through sorption, incorporation or substitution of elements with radionuclides. Moreover, due to similarities with current conditioning matrices, required demonstrations for acceptation as conditioning matrix could be simplified.
Considering this, the aim of this study is to develop low carbon materials by testing various metakaolins and calcium sources combined with alkali activator. Formulations will be developed considering a possible range of variation around targeted properties such as set time, exothermy or compressive strength. The hydration kinetics and the mineral evolution depending on the raw materials and their activation, will be monitored with time.