ForestPaths researchers from Leiden University and VITO joined a multi-institutional team to conduct a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) made using recycled materials from the steelmaking industry. The study, titled “Life cycle assessment of the climate change impact of magnesium phosphate cements formulated with tundish deskulling waste compared to conventional cement,” was published in the journal Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy. 

Cement production is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. It is therefore important to explore more sustainable alternatives to conventional Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). The study compares OPC with alternative magnesium phosphate cements (MPCs) developed at the laboratory scale. Two versions of MPC were analysed - MPC–MgO, produced with pure magnesium oxide, and MPC–TUN, made using tundish deskulling waste - a by-product from the steelmaking industry. 

The researchers applied a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach to evaluate the climate change impact of each type of cement under three scenarios: producing one tonne of cement, one cubic meter of cement paste and one cubic meter of mortar, covering different applications of cements. They also explored how the results might change under future scenarios of energy sector decarbonisation and heating fuel transitions. 

The study finds that the cement industry can reduce its emissions by adopting low-carbon cements, such as MPC-TUN, but also by considering low-carbon electricity and fuels. This underscores the importance of using recovered materials, such as MPC-TUN, instead of relying solely on pure materials or on by-products. 

However, because the research was conducted on a laboratory scale, further work is needed before large-scale application. Future studies should also examine factors such as durability and address regulatory considerations for wider adoption. 

Read the full study here.