Abstract
<jats:p>This study is devoted to the production of sulfate-resistant Portland cement clinker based on local raw materials found in the Aral Sea region of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the study of its properties. The results obtained highlight technological, economic, and environmental advantages. The raw material mixtures consisted of limestone, barren sand, kaolin, and iron-rich industrial waste, resulting in a clinker with an optimized oxide composition (LSF = 0.82, SR = 2.15, AR = 0.94). X-ray phase analysis shows a high content of alite (C3S ≈ 38.6%) and belite (C2S ≈ 41.0%) phases, which provides high mechanical strength. The low content of tricalcium aluminate (tricalcium aluminate < 5%) and the sufficient content of ferrite (C₄AF ≈ 16.2%) increased sulfate resistance and phase dominance. Sulfate resistance tests performed in accordance with ASTM C1012/C1012M showed that sulfate-resistant Portland cement had the lowest swelling index among samples placed in a 5% Na2SO4 solution, proving its high resistance compared to ordinary Portland cement and mixed cement types. The results of the experiments prove the feasibility of producing high-quality sulfate-resistant Portland cement clinker based on local raw materials and demonstrate its potential for use in the sulfate-rich conditions of the Aral Sea region. Economically, the use of local raw materials reduces production costs, the need for imports, and increases the competitiveness of the cement industry in our region. Ecologically, the long service life of sulfate-resistant Portland cement and the possibility of using industrial waste are consistent with the principles of the "green economy" and contribute to waste reduction and sustainable growth.</jats:p>