Echantillon de bélite placé dans un four à 1 400 °C

Sample of belite in a platinum cup, placed in an open-hearth furnace at 1400°C. When the sample is lowered, it cools rapidly. It is then characterised by being crushed into powder, to see whether it reacts with water, for example. Belite is a compound of sulphoaluminate cements that are manufactured at lower temperatures than traditional cement, saving energy. For these cements to become widespread, research is needed to help us fully understand the nature of the mineral phases.