Effective use of the non-wood biomass ash chemistry in cementitious binders. Formulation of alkali aluminosilicate-based binders with non-wood biomass ash. Development of viable concrete materials with non-wood biomass ash raw materials. a b s t r a c tThe work reported herein focuses on demonstrating the value of non-wood biomass combustion ash in production of alkali-activated concrete. The growing use of biomass as fuel leaves significant quantities of solid residue (ash) with qualities that are different from those of coal combustion ash. The composition of biomass ash suits development of alternative cement chemistries with significantly reduced carbon footprint and energy content when compared with Portland cement. Sustainable cement chemistries relying upon alkali aluminosilicate hydrate as the primary binder are receiving growing attention. Combustion ashes of wheat straw, switch grass, corn cob, alfalfa stem, corn stalk, cotton gin and rice hull were evaluated in this investigation. Characterization of the chemical composition, mineralogy, degree of crystallinity, solubility, pH in solution, loss on ignition, morphology and particle size distribution of nonwood biomass ashes, and the strength and moisture stability of the resulting concrete provided a basis for assessment of the merits of non-wood biomass ash as reactive raw materials in production of alkali-activated concrete.

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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.