Residual fines as potential raw materials for M-S-H cements

processing and characterization

Authors

Keywords:

Magnesium silicate hydrate, Magnesium-based cements, Industrial waste, Sugarcane bagasse ash, Quartzite mining waste, Soapstone waste

Abstract

This study presents the characterization and a strategy for processing residual fines for their application in the production of magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H) binders. Quartzite mining waste (QW), soapstone waste (SW), and sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) were evaluated. Initially, the raw materials were characterized by XRF, XRD, FTIR, SEM/EDS, and thermogravimetry. The samples were then subjected to a grinding study and characterized by laser granulometry and SEM/SE. The processed QW and SW samples exhibited high fineness (D90 of 13.5 and 42.9 µm, respectively) and a well-graded and continuous particle size distribution. The processed SCBA presented a high SiO₂ content (60.1%), predominance of amorphous phase (53.7%), and a high specific surface area (49.9 m²/g). Based on the results, the QW and SW are expected to perform effectively as fillers, reducing costs and contributing to the microstructure and mechanical performance of the matrices. The SCBA, in turn, stands out as a potential source of reactive silica (SiO₂) for the synthesis of M-S-H cements. The study aligns with circular economy principles and offers alternatives for utilizing industrial waste in the Brazilian construction industry, opening new possibilities for research on eco-efficient M-S-H systems.

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Author Biographies

Victor Rezende Carvalho, Federal University of Ouro Preto

M.Sc. Victor Carvalho is a Civil Engineer who graduated from the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA). He is co-founder and former vice-coordinator at the Group of Studies in Non-Conventional Materials and Techniques in Construction (NEMATENC). He received his Master’s Degree in 2022 from the Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP). Victor is currently a researcher at the Research Group on Solid Waste (Reciclos/CNPq) and a PhD candidate at the Postgraduate Program in Civil Engineering (PROPEC) at UFOP. His current research is focused on developing eco-efficient cement-based composites using industrial waste (e.g., sugarcane bagasse ash, quartzite mining waste, nd soapstone waste). He has authored research papers in prestigious journals, including Journal of Cleaner Production, Construction and Building Materials, Journal of Building Engineering, and Polymers.

Cristopher Antonio Martins de Moura, Federal University of Ouro Preto

M.Sc. Cristopher de Moura is a Civil Engineer who graduated from the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT). He obtained his Master’s degree in 2022 from UFMT. Cristopher is currently an assistant university professor at UFMT, a researcher at the Research Group on Alkali-Activated Cements (Ative/CNPq), and a doctoral student in Civil Engineering at the Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP). His current research focuses on the development of alternative eco-efficient cements.

Marialaura Herrera Rosas, Federal University of Ouro Preto

Marialaura Rosas is a Civil Engineer graduated from the Universidad Privada del Valle (UNIVALLE), Cochabamba, Bolivia. She is currently a Master’s student in the Postgraduate Program in Civil Engineering (PROPEC) at the Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP) and a researcher at the Research Group on Solid Waste (Reciclos/CNPq). Her research focuses on fiber-reinforced cementitious composites incorporating inorganic fibers, with emphasis on thermal performance, sustainability, and the reuse of industrial residues.

Maria Antonia Lopes Barbosa, Federal University of Ouro Preto

Maria Antonia Barbosa is an undergraduate student in Architecture and Urbanism at the Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP). She conducted an undergraduate research project (Scientific Initiation) focused on the feasibility of using industrial waste in the production of magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H) cements, with emphasis on alternative binders and sustainable construction materials.

Guilherme Jorge Brigolini, Federal University of Ouro Preto

D.Sc. Guilherme Brigolini is a professor at the Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP). He received his Master’s Degree in 2006 and his doctorate in 2011 from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). Coordinates the research group on alkali-activated cements (Ative/CNPq) and has consolidated experience in Materials Engineering, with emphasis on ceramic materials, Portland cement, alkaline-activated cements, waste utilization, pozzolanic activity, and construction processes.

Keoma Defáveri, Federal University of Ouro Preto

D.Sc. Keoma Defáveri is a Civil Engineer who holds Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in Civil Engineering, the latter two obtained from the Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP). He currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at UFOP and is a permanent faculty member of the Graduate Program in Civil Engineering (PROPEC). He is a researcher associated with the Reciclos/CNPq and Ative/CNPq Research Groups at UFOP, as well as the SICon at the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV). His research activities focus on sustainable construction materials, cementitious and geopolymeric matrices, fiber-reinforced composites, the reuse of industrial residues, and microstructural characterization.

Augusto Cesar da Silva Bezerra, Federal Center for Technological Education of Minas Gerais

D.Sc. Augusto Bezerra is a professor at the Federal Center for Technological Education of Minas Gerais (CEFET-MG). He received his Master’s Degree in 2007 and his doctorate in 2012 from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). Has consolidated experience in cement-based materials, sustainability in construction, waste valorization, and the development of low-carbon binders.

Ricardo André Fiorotti Peixoto, Federal University of Ouro Preto

D.Sc. Ricardo Fiorotti Peixoto is a professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP). He received his Master’s Degree in 1999 and his doctorate in 2004 from the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV). Ricardo is currently a coordinator at the Research Group on Solid Waste (Reciclos/CNPq) and a coordinator in the Laboratory of Materials for Civil Construction at UFOP. His current research focuses on developing sustainable construction materials and innovative building technologies from industrial waste management. He has authored several research papers in various prestigious journals, including Ambiente Construído, Materials, Resources, Conservation and Recycling, Journal of Cleaner Production, and Construction and Building Materials.

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Published

2026-06-22

How to Cite

CARVALHO, Victor Rezende; MOURA, Cristopher Antonio Martins de; ROSAS, Marialaura Herrera; BARBOSA, Maria Antonia Lopes; BRIGOLINI, Guilherme Jorge; DEFÁVERI, Keoma; BEZERRA, Augusto Cesar da Silva; PEIXOTO, Ricardo André Fiorotti. Residual fines as potential raw materials for M-S-H cements: processing and characterization. Ambiente Construído, [S. l.], v. 26, 2026. Disponível em: https://seer.ufrgs.br/index.php/ambienteconstruido/article/view/152373. Acesso em: 11 aug. 2026.

Issue

Vol. 26 (2026): Edições Especiais & Artigos

Section

Edição especial: os melhores artigos do ENARC 2025

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Copyright (c) 2026 Ambiente Construído

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