IMPROVE THE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH USING A STRENGTH IMPROVER AGENT (SIA) IN THE CEMENT INDUSTRY IN INDONESIA

Greenhouse gas emissions such as CO2 are released during clinker production through various processes, including the calcination reaction of limestone (CaCO3). To reduce CO2 emissions per ton of cement produced, some studies have explored the use of clinker substitutes. However, a reduction in the amount of clinker can also result in decreased compressive strength of the cement. To address this issue, the addition of a Strength Improver Agent (SIA) can be used to maintain the necessary compressive strength and ensure compliance with all relevant standards. Therefore, This study aimed to determine the optimal amount of SIA required to achieve the desired compressive strength. The study added SIA in varying amounts (100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, and 400 ppm), and the compressive strength of cement was measured at 1, 3, 7, and 28 days based on ASTM C 109 and QPT-LAB-SNI-05 standards. Physical tests were also conducted, including Blaine, 325 mesh residue, Insoluble Residue (IR), Loss on Ignition (LOI), and XRF based on ASTM C 114, ASTM-STP 985, XRF Thermo ARL 8480S. The observations and analysis showed that the optimum amount of SIA addition is 350 ppm, where the resulting compressive strength increases at least 7% compared to blanks.