Gulf Organisation for Research and Development EG016-RG11757 Open access via Springer Compcat Agreement The authors are grateful for the financial support of the Gulf Organization for Research and Development (GORD) through grant EG016-RG11757. Mr Mathieu Antoni of LafargeHolcim is thanked for his assistance in processing the grinding of the experimental clinker. Mr Theodore Hanein is thanked for insight gained in discussions regarding thermodynamic modelling of the CaO-Al2O3-SO3-SiO2 system within the kiln environment.Peer reviewedPublisher PD