Alkali activation of different type of ash as a production of combustion process

Abstract

Presented study deals with the final structure and radiological properties of different fly-ash based geopolymers. Lignite fly-ash (lignite Kolubara – Serbia) and wood fly ash were obtained in combustion process together with commercial fly-ash. Synthesis of the geopolymers was conducted by mixing fly-ash, sodium silicate solution, NaOH and water. The samples were strengthened 60 °C for 48 hours after staying at room temperature in covering mold for 24 hours. The X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared and SAM measurements were conducted on the samples after 28 days of geopolymerization process. The X-ray diffraction measurements of lignite fly-ash samples show anhydrite as the main constituent, while wood fly-ash samples consist of calcite, albite and gypsum minerals. Besides determination of physicochemical properties, the aim of this study was radiological characterization of lignite fly-ash, wood fly-ash and the obtained geopolymer products. Activity concentration of 40K and radionuclides from the 238U and 232Th decay series, in ash samples and fly-ash based geopolymers, were determined by means of gamma-ray spectrometry, and the absorbed dose rate, D, and the annual effective dose rate, E, were calculated in accordance with the UNSCEAR 2000 report.

Keywords

• fly ash
• lignite
• wood
• geopolymerization
• radionuclides