Alkali-Activation of Non-Wood Biomass Ash: Effects of Ash Characteristics on Concrete Performance
Abstract: Combustion of biomass
is increasingly practiced for power generation. Unlike coal ash, the combustion
ashes of biomass do not offer significant value in Portland cement concrete
production. An experimental study was conducted in order to assess the value of
the combustion ashes of different non-wood biomass types towards production of
alkali activated binders for concrete production. The results indicated that
concrete materials with a desired balance of fresh mix workability, set time
and compressive strength can be produced used alkali activated non-wood biomass
ash binders. Correlations were drawn between the concrete engineering
properties and different non-wood biomass ash characteristics. It was found
that statistically significant relationships exist between the concrete
properties and the non-wood biomass ash degree of crystallinity and solubility.
These two ash characteristics were also found to be correlated. It was
concluded that the suitability of non-wood biomass ash for use in production of
alkali activated concrete can be assessed based on its degree of crystallinity.
Keywords: Non-Wood Biomass;
Combustion Ash; Solubility, Degree of Crystallinity; Alkali Activation;
Geopolymer
Author: Faris Matalkah,
A.G.N.D. Darsanasiri, Saqib Abideen, Anagi Balachadra, Parviz Soroushian
Journal Code: jptsipilgg170026
