It is well known that cement production is not neutral for natural environment among others due to high CO₂emission. Different strategies of mitigation of negative environmental impact of its production are developed. One of the ways is utilization of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in the manufacture of cement and concrete. Introduction of aluminosilicate SCMs into binding mixture makes that more amount of so-called C–A–S–H phase appears in hydration products, affecting microstructure and properties of final hardened composite. The aim of this work is to discuss the possibilities of utilization of selected SCMs in different binding mixtures including some advantages and limitations. Literature review on the subject was carried out. Some of our own research results were also presented. In the Part I of this review, some information about history of ancient binding materials and the possibilities of inspiring modern engineers with ancient constructions in the aspect of using SCMs in modern concrete were presented. Using pozzolanic aluminosilicate SCMs in relation to their influence on formed products, microstructure and mechanical properties of hardened material were discussed. Some problems with possibilities of study of SCMs reaction degree were identified. Emphasis was put on the usefulness of isothermal calorimetry and thermal analysis for investigations of hydration process and identification of hydrated products as well as evaluation of degree of reaction of SCMs.

Binders containing fly ash as cement substitute have been used for many years. Typical amount of fly ash in cement composite does not exceed 35% of mass of binder. Replacement of substantial amount of cement mass by fly ash results in retardation of hydration of binder and deterioration of some concrete properties, e.g. delay in setting time and reduction in early compressive strength. These inconveniences may be reduced using proper method of activation. In this paper, possibilities to activate binding mixtures containing high and very high amount of fly ash and low amount of Portland cement were discussed basing on the literature reports as well as on our own research results. Several activating methods were described, such as mechanical activation, exchanging of part of components of binder (cement, fly ash or both of them) by more reactive fine-grained material, chemical activation by the use of alkaline activators as well as combined methods. Possibilities of using these methods were discussed in relation to amount of fly ash introduced as replacement of cement and kind of fly ash used. Usefulness of calorimetry and thermal analysis methods was also presented.

The influence of spent catalyst from catalytic cracking in fluidized bed (FCC) on the hydration of two kinds of calcium aluminate cements (of about 40 and 70% content of alumina) was studied. Cement pastes were prepared with constant ratio of water/binder = 0.5 and with content of 0, 5 and 25% mass of addition as replacement of cement. The samples were stored at room temperature. Thermal analysis (TG, DTG), infrared absorption (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction methods were applied to investigate changes in various periods of hydration (up to 150 days). The compressive strength of cement mortars was also examined. On the basis of presented results it was affirmed that in studied conditions spent FCC catalyst is a reactive addition in calcium aluminate cement (CAC) pastes, which probably can create a new phase type C–A–S–H. It may be an interesting alternative for limitation of the negative phenomenon of conversion of aluminate hydrates, although the degree of the influence of the mineral additive depends on the composition of CAC and of the quantity of the used waste.