A comparative assessment of the suitability of phosphogypsum from different origins to be utilised as the binding material of construction products

Abstract

Phosphogypsum (PG) is a by-product with an enormous potential to be used in construction products as a binding material. However, the performed studies are often focused on narrow aspects regarding its properties, and rarely consider the big picture. Hence, a comprehensive study of the influence of the origin, the microstructure, the chemical composition, and the processing procedures (either casting or press-forming) on the radiological, physical and mechanical properties of PG specimens was performed, by carrying out a comparative analysis of the properties of three PG types from different origins. The PG from igneous phosphate ores resulted the best material from all points of view.