Low-reactive circulating fluidized bed combustion (CFBC) fly ashes as source material for geopolymer synthesis

Waste Manag. 2010 Jan;30(1):57-62. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2009.09.014. Epub 2009 Oct 22.

Abstract

In this contribution, low-reactive circulating fluidized bed combustion (CFBC) fly ashes (CFAs) have firstly been utilized as a source material for geopolymer synthesis. An alkali fusion process was employed to promote the dissolution of Si and Al species from the CFAs, and thus to enhance the reactivity of the ashes. A high-reactive metakaolin (MK) was also used to consume the excess alkali needed for the fusion. Reactivities of the CFAs and MK were examined by a series of dissolution tests in sodium hydroxide solutions. Geopolymer samples were prepared by alkali activation of the source materials using a sodium silicate solution as the activator. The synthesized products were characterized by mechanical testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractography (XRD), as well as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results of this study indicate that, via enhancing the reactivity by alkali fusion and balancing the Na/Al ratio by additional aluminosilicate source, low-reactive CFAs could also be recycled as an alternative source material for geopolymer production.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carbon / chemistry*
  • Coal
  • Coal Ash
  • Conservation of Natural Resources
  • Industrial Waste
  • Kaolin / chemistry
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / methods
  • Particulate Matter / chemistry*
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Sodium Hydroxide / chemistry
  • Spectrophotometry, Infrared / methods
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared / methods
  • Static Electricity
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Temperature
  • Waste Management / methods
  • X-Ray Diffraction / methods

Substances

  • Coal
  • Coal Ash
  • Industrial Waste
  • Particulate Matter
  • Polymers
  • Kaolin
  • Sodium Hydroxide
  • Carbon