End-Of-Use Fly Ash as an Effective Reinforcing Filler in Green Polymer Composites

Abstract

The aim of this study is to use fly ash powder in an environmentally friendly matrix, in a novel way, addressing environmental and disposal problems. Fly ash/epoxy composites were prepared and studied varying the filler content. An investigation of structural and morphological characteristics was conducted using of X-ray diffraction patterns and scanning electron microscopy images, which revealed the successful fabrication of composites. Thermomechanical properties were studied via dynamic mechanical analysis and static mechanical tests. The composites exhibited an improved mechanical response. Broadband dielectric spectroscopy was used to investigate the dielectric response of the composite systems over the frequency range from 10−1 to 107 Hz and the temperature range from 30 to 160 °C. The analysis revealed the presence of three relaxation processes in the spectra of the tested systems. Interfacial polarization, the glass-to-rubber transition of the polymer matrix, and the rearrangement of polar side groups along the polymer chain are the processes that occur under a descending relaxation time. It was found that dielectric permittivity increases with filler content. Finally, the influence of filler content and the applied voltage under dc conditions was analyzed to determine the ability of the composites to store and retrieve electric energy. Fly ash improved the efficiency of the storing/retrieving energy of the composites.

Characterization of Artificial Stone Produced with Blast Furnace Dust Waste Incorporated into a Mixture of Epoxy Resin and Cashew Nut Shell Oil

“…The addition of mineral filler in the production of polymeric composites contributes to an improvement in mechanical resistance. Anastasios et al [12] added fly ash powder in various contents and found an increase in mechanical resistance as the ash content increased. In this way, the reuse of industrial waste for the development of artificial stones can be a solution to reduce the cost of this material, in addition to avoiding illegal disposal of solid waste, generating jobs and boosting the economy [13][14][15].…”

Enhancing Thermomechanical Strength and Thermal Stability of Poly(dicyclopentadiene) Composites through Cost-Effective Fly Ash Reinforcement for Structural and Impact Applications

“…In addition, research on the impact of filler content and applied voltage under DC conditions has been conducted to evaluate the ability of composite materials to store and recover electrical energy. In particular, the inclusion of fly ash has shown an improvement in energy storage and recovery efficiency for these composite materials [25]. Another study explored the influence of basalt fiber and waste marble dust on epoxy resin.…”