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novaFrit International - Products
Using spent pot-liners from the aluminum industry and other waste products, NovaFrit International has developed a pyro-metallurgical process using a rotary kiln and a fixed-bed glass furnace, both linked to flue gas treatment systems, to produce a liquid matrix free of carbon. The matrix obtained is quenched into a commercially saleable glass-like mineral material, named CAlSiFrit™. The carbon recuperated separately is sold under the name CAlSiCoke™.
CAlSiFrit ™ A Manufactured glass silica matrix
CAlSiFrit™ is a totally amorphous siliceous material, a matrix of calcium and sodium fluoro-aluminosilicate. This homogeneous solid substance possesses a high reactivity potential and shows outstanding cementitious properties when finely ground.
Concrete durability improver
List of technical characteristics making CAlSiFrit a proven cement enhancer.
- Reduced Permeability
CAlSiFrit ™ is a chloride-ion permeability reducer that enhances the durability of concrete. As demonstrated in a report submitted by the University of Sherbrooke (see graph), the permeability of concrete to chloride-ion decreases by more than 50% when using 25% CAlSiFrit as a Portland cement substitute. Through synergic reactions, CAlSiFrit efficiently improves the imperviousness of concretes. Referring to figure 63 of said report, we notice that using CAlSiFrit ™ in a quaternary mixture resulted in a permeability reduction to 1/15 th the level of a control concrete using a cement made of 100% Portland Type 10.
Concrete’s resistance to chloride-ion attack is one of the most important factors to consider when determining its durability. This is precisely where CAlSiFrit ™ excels as an additive: due to the discontinuous pore network it promotes, CAlSiFrit ensures better resistance to salt, acid and water attack. - Reducer of alkali–aggregate reaction
Even though CAlSiFrit™ has a significant alkali content, it meets CSA norm A23, 2-28A article 6 when used in concentrations above 90%. Expansion measured at 14 days was < 0.1%. Research to date has shown that the higher the substitution of Portland Type 10 cement by CAlSiFrit™, the less the concrete expands. (see graph)
- Hydraulic Binder
CAlSiFrit™, being more than 99.8% amorphous, boasts strong binding potential as a cement. When ground to 4000 Blaine and when combined with an alkaline activator at hydration, it becomes an effective hydraulic binder enabling its use in highly durable concretes. - Efficient rheology
It has been clearly demonstrated that using CAlSiFrit improves the flowability of the blended concretes. (see graph)
This efficient rheology allows for a reduction of the W/B ratio. In ternary and quaternary blends, CAlSiFrit permits a reduction of admixture (water reducer and superplasticizers) relatively to blends without CAlSiFrit. - Grindability
As shown by the american laboratory of F.L. Smidth, pulverization of CAlSiFrit to 4000 Blaine requires less energy than that of clinker or slag. - Resistance
Resistance and other mechanical characteristics of concrete are improved when CAlSiFrit is used. All tests performed to date by the University of Sherbrooke and by a worldwide cement manufacturer corroborate this. More specifically, compressive, tensile and flexile strengths of blended concrete are improved, as is durability. (see graph) - Whiteness
The paleness of finely ground CAlSiFrit is another quality appreciated by clients. This is especially true when the esthetics of a finished product is perceived as a component of its quality and durability. - Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
CAlSiFrit allows for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). When used as a substitute of clinker in the manufacture of cement, it generates a credit equivalent to 450 kgs/mt of replaced Portland . This GHG credit reaches 650 kgs/mt of substituted Portland when cullet is added to the silica matrix. Thus CAlSiFrit is a more environmentally friendly and valuable material within a sustainable development framework.
CAlSiCoke™ Metallurgical coke and fuel
CAlSiCoke is a residual carbon mostly of the graphitic type showing <2% of fluorspar. This makes it a perfect fluidizer in metallurgical reducing slags lowering the eutectic point and increasing the fluidity of those slags. The carbon also has an economic value as a fuel.
