The mineralizing effect of CuO on microstructure and phase composition of SO3 doped clinker was studied by a combination of phase analysis, light and scanning electron microscopy and QXRD. Results show proportionally higher C4AF content in clinker interstitial matter due to CuO doping. CuO also lowers the SO3 incorporation in main clinker phases C3S and C2S. Observation in back-scattered electrons revealed that Cu crystallizes mainly as a Cu-rich phase in the clinker interstitial matter and inclusions in crystals of C2S with distorted structure. CuO partially inhibits the incorporation of Fe2O3 in C2S.

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