Chemical and mineralogical properties of conventional and resistant cement from selected laboratories in northern Iraq

The present study investigates several local cement types,
including Ordinary Portland Cement from Hammam AlAlil New, Badoush New, Badoush Expansion, Sinjar, and
MAS plants, as well as sulfate-resistant cement from the
Hadbaa plant. The samples were analyzed chemically and
mineralogically to assess the variations resulting from
fluctuations in the proportions of major and minor
chemical components, and to evaluate their impact on
cement quality and performance, as well as their
influence on concrete properties. A comparison was made
between ordinary and sulfate-resistant cement, with an
emphasis on ensuring conformity with Iraqi standard
specifications. The results revealed a close similarity in
chemical and mineralogical compositions between
sulfate-resistant Portland cement and ordinary Portland
cement. However, notable differences were observed in
the loss on ignition (LOI), a decrease in tricalcium silicate
content, and an increase in dicalcium silicate, likely due
to incomplete burning or insufficient rapid cooling.
Additionally, a higher proportion of calcium tetracalcium
aluminoferrite (C₄AF) was found in the sulfate-resistant
cement, making it more difficult to grind and increasing
fuel consumption. The presence of tricalcium aluminate
(C₃A) poses a risk of reacting with sulfates in soil or
groundwater, potentially leading to expansion and
cracking in concrete structures