Mechanical activation of olivine as the basis for the production of a climate-friendly binder.

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Horst-Michael Ludwig
• Subject Area: Construction Material Sciences, Chemistry, Building Physics
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 580006906

Cement production is a particularly emission-intensive process and offers significant potential for savings in the context of society-wide climate protection efforts. It is impossible to completely avoid material-related CO₂ emissions with limestone-based binders. According to the current state of research, magnesium silicate rocks (e.g., olivine-rich rocks) could serve as an alternative binder base without material-related CO₂ emissions. Previous approaches to using and processing magnesium silicates are currently in the basic research phase. This project will use mechanical activation, a process commonly used in the building materials sector for activating clays, to activate olivine. The goal is to develop a hardening binder with a very low carbon footprint.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants