Clay Mineralogy and its Role in Advancing Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC³): A Comprehensive Review with Scientometric Analysis

Abstract

Despite the recognized potential of limestone calcined clay cement (LC³) as a sustainable alternative to Portland cement, a comprehensive analysis of the role of its primary reactive component—clay—remains absent from the literature. This review systematically addresses this gap by analyzing clay mineralogy (kaolinite, illite, montmorillonite), activation methods (thermal, mechanical, chemical), and reactivity assessment to expose their direct impact on LC³ performance. Furthermore, scientometric analysis of the LC³ research landscape is presented, quantifying its evolution and objectively highlighting the centrality of clay to the field's trends and advancements. By integrating a detailed technical review with data-driven bibliometric insights, this work provides an absolute foundation for optimizing LC³ formulations through tailored clay selection and processing, guiding future research toward more sustainable cement production.