Suvo Strategic Minerals Limited announced it has received data under the first phase of the research agreement announced on 10 March with Curtin University. Led by Senior Lecturer of the School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering Dr Thong Pham, Curtin University is investigating the application of high reactivity metakaolin (HRM) as a sustainable solution in decarbonising cement. The first phase of the study, which largely focused on a literary review and data analysis to evaluate the feasibility and potential for the HRM application, has now been completed.

Study findings: Curtin University's initial findings note the current sectors of concrete adopting metakaolin (MK) include: High and ultra-high performance, high strength and lightweight concrete; Precast concrete; Marine concrete structures; Fiber-reinforced cementitious composites. The study findings show MK has numerous potential applications in the cement industry, particularly as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in conjunction with other SCMs to maximise its potential. Importantly it found the production of concrete incorporating MK emits significantly less CO2 compared to ordinary Portland cement (OPC).

The study estimated that up to a 31% reduction in CO 2 emissions can be achieved with a 20% MK replacement. The study findings also note concrete incorporating MK can provide up to a 40% improvement in mechanical properties, such as compressive strength, flexural strength, and tensile strength. This can help increase the lifespan of concrete structures by up to 50%, leading to another potential 14% reduction in CO2 emissions, as well as a reduction in cement, water, and aggregate demand.

Using assumptions from previous studies, Curtin University researchers note MK can be used in a concrete mixture between 10% to 40% of the mass of cement while potentially improving the mechanical properties of concrete.