Influence of the mineralogy and microstructure of clinker on its grindability – an Indian perspective
This article aims to determine the relationship between the chemico-mineralogical and microstructural parameters of clinker that fundamentally influence its grindability. The study investigated the grindability and microstructure of various commercial clinkers with different chemico-mineralogical compositions that had been produced around the country. The author has attempted to develop a mathematical relationship (where this exists) between the Bond work index and the chemico-mineralogical and microstructural parameters of the clinkers produced in India.
1 Introduction
Portland cement clinker is a combination of minerals formed during the burning process and solidified from the liquid phase. One of the important properties, which is of significant industrial relevance in terms of energy and productivity, is the resistance of the clinker to mechanical loads i.e. its grindability. It is well known that the resistance to mechanical stress and the grindability of clinker has a considerable influence on the operation of grinding equipment and on the energy required for grinding. This affects the particle size distribution and the quality of the...
