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.