The present invention provides compositions and methods relative to controlling hydration onset of an alkaline earth metal oxide such as calcium oxide, comprising heating an inorganic alkaline earth metal oxide to sub-calcination temperatures in the presence of organic material comprising a carbohydrate, an amino-carboxylic acid, a hydroxycarboxylic acid, or a mixture thereof. Preferred treated particles comprise at least 40% and more preferably at least 80% by dry weight calcium oxide which is heated in the presence of ascorbic acid and a starch. Treated particles of the present invention manifest an unexpected, surprising hydration induction postponement behavior as demonstrated through calorimetric testing.

A method for the manufacture of a composite material for the recovery of nutrients and/or pollutants from wastewater, the method comprising, in succession, the following phases: supply of at least one carbonate material; supply of at least one carbonaceous material; mixing the carbonate material with the carbonaceous material to obtain a mixture; and heating the mixture to a temperature above 600? C. to obtain a composite material.

A method for reducing combustion temperature and/or thermal radiation within a lime kiln of a pulp production plant, which kiln is a rotary kiln having a kiln tube (1) internally covered with refractory tiles (13) and having a burner (2) supplied by fuel for heating of the rotary kiln by a flame (3). The effects are achieved by supplying calcium carbonate containing particles to the flame (3) and/or to surrounding area around the flame (3). The particles are supplied into the rotary kiln by at least one lance (9) to the upper part of the flame (3). Calcium oxide containing particles may be supplied to the rotary kiln to areas surrounding the flame (3) for reducing the thermal radiation to an area over the flame (3) and/or to the area at the side of the flame (3), where the refractory tiles (13) of the kiln are rotating downwards.