Characterization of Coal Combustion Products from Malaysian Power Plant for Building Materials Applications

¹ Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), 43000, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia.
² College of Graduate Studies, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), 43000, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia.
³ School Department of Civil Engineering, SSN College of Engineering, Old Mahabalipuram Road, SSN Nagar, Kalavakkam.
⁴ School of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
⁵ School of Civil Engineering Engineering Campus Universiti Sains Malaysia 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia

Abstract

Coal combustion by Products (CCPs) are produced during coal combustion in the process of electric generation. Without proper handling system, this will cause serious problems towards human and environmental. Nevertheless, with proper treatment, these ashes are applicable in many areas specially building construction materials. Coal Bottom Ash, Coal Fly Ash and Cenosphere are three main wastes produced from power plant. The aim of this study is to determine the characteristics of samples collected from different parts of Malaysia Power Plant. Characterization testing involved included surface morphology, chemical composition (oxides), chemical components, amorphousness, and particle size distribution testing. From this study, CBA have more angular-shaped particles compared to CFA which is smoother surface morphology. However, Cenosphere shown the most uniform and spherical shaped particles. EDS testing shown Existing CBA have highest Carbon content (46%) while Cenosphere is lowest (11.38%). The percentage oxides contents for all samples demonstrate more than 70% of Total SiO₂ + Al₂O₃ + Fe₂O₃. Hence, all ashes considered as Class F (pozzolanic). CBA, SFA, CFA and cenosphere has significantly more amorphous phases of silica and alumina, and this will increase the concrete strength. Due to agglomeration of ashes on ash pond, the cumulative PSDs results shown that the particle size of the existing sample obtained larger than the new sample. Minimum particles size of SFA (New Dry) is 2 µm while SFA (Existing 2) is 20 µm. From characteristic determination above, it shown that each type of ashes has its own uniqueness and capability to be applied wide range of applications.