The binding properties of cementitious materials using circulating fluidized bed co-fired fly ash and pulverised coal fly ash

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the binding properties of co-fired fly ash (CFFA) in paste and mortar specimens. Paste specimens containing various CFFA proportions (25%, 50%, 75%, 100% by weight of cement) were conducted and evaluated using setting time tests, water demand tests and compressive strength tests. Mortar specimens containing various CFFA and Pulverised coal fly ash (PCFA) proportions (10%, 20%, 30% by weight of cement) were also conducted and compared with regard to flowability and compressive strength. The test results indicated that the water demand increased as the amount of CFFA replacement increased on the flow level at 110±3%; this is due to the higher ignition loss (L.O.I.). Higher L.O.I. values mean that there are more unburned carbon particles in the CFFA and that most of these carbon particles are porous. The compressive strength of mortar specimens decreased as the amount of CFFA replacement increased. Compared to the chemical compositions of cement (C3S, C2S), the main components of CFFA (Ca(OH)2, CaCO3, CaO) have lower crystalline strength and compactness. Therefore, the higher amount of CFFA replacement would inevitably cause a reduction of the cement contents of specimens, thereby reducing the compressive strength of the mortar specimens. Thus, an appropriate amount of superplasticiser and CFFA replacement in the mixture is useful with regard to the binding properties of cementitious materials.