Title:
Iron-Rich Vanadium Tailings as a Supplementary Cementitious Material (Prepublished)
Author(s):
Amir Hossein Rafiean, M. Neaz Sheikh, Muhammad N.S. Hadi
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
blended cement; calcined clay; iron-rich SCM; supplementary cementitious material; vanadium tailings
DOI:
10.14359/51751834
Date:
7/10/2026
Abstract:
This study presents comprehensive investigations of the potential of uncalcined and calcined vanadium tailings (VT) for use as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM). The VT was calcined at 550, 650, 700, 750, and 850°C (1022, 1202, 1292, 1382, and 1562°F). The composition of uncalcined and calcined VT and dehydration and dehydroxylation processes was investigated. The effects of calcination on the mineralogical properties, molecular structure, and morphological characteristics of the VT were also investigated. The pozzolanic reactivity of uncalcined and calcined VT was evaluated using direct and indirect tests. Peaks associated with kaolinite were observed through thermal, mineralogical, and molecular analyses of the VT. Scanning electron microscope investigations of uncalcined and calcined VT revealed iron-rich aluminosilicate platelets. Calcination enhanced the pozzolanic reactivity of VT. The VT calcined at 700°C (1292°F) exhibited the highest pozzolanic reactivity, evidenced by the highest degree of dehydroxylation, the highest chemically bound water content, and a strength activity index approximately 35% higher than that of uncalcined VT.