A review on application of microwave in cement life cycle

• Published in: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews 2024-07, Vol.199, p.114498, Article 114498
• Main Authors: Xiao, Yihao, Xue, Yahui
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cement; Concrete; Dielectric properties; Energy consumption; Microwaves; Sustainability
• ISSN: 1364-0321; 1879-0690
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2024.114498

The processing, maintaining and recycling of cement-based materials consume a great deal of resources and energy, together with carbon emissions. How microwave heating, an emerging and innovative technique, promotes the sustainable development of cement-based materials is a topic of continuous concern. In light of this, this work reviews the application status of microwave in cement and concrete, including sintering of raw material, accelerated curing, non-destructive testing, drilling and decontamination, along with recycling of waste concrete. Furthermore, the theoretical background of the interaction between microwaves and cement-based materials is introduced to understand the application potential of microwaves. Lastly, the current scientific challenges in the application of microwave energy in engineering are discussed and future developments are envisaged to scale up. The results of the review indicate that no matter which application scenario involves the interaction between microwaves and water that is identified as a polar molecule with high dielectric properties, which remains also the cornerstone for the feasibility of microwave applications. Herein, microwave heating technique is deemed to possess profitable achievements in cement and concrete treatment due to selectivity, high heating efficiency as well as eco-friendliness, which is beneficial for fostering sustainability of cement-based materials throughout life cycle and maximizing resource utilization to cut carbon dioxide emissions and to deal with climate change. [Display omitted] •Application microwave energy in cement and concrete is reviewed comprehensively.•Interaction mechanism of microwave with cement and concrete is introduced.•Weakening mechanism of concrete properties under microwave treatment is analyzed.•Existing challenges in the application of microwave in engineering are discussed.•Future development direction of microwave technique in engineering is prospected.