Evaluation of the Pozzolanic Potential of Poultry Litter Ash Calcined at Different Temperatures as a Revalorized Biomass Waste

Abstract

In support of the greening of the construction industry, the development of alternative composites with equal capabilities is paramount. In this study, the pozzolanic activity of poultry litter ash (PLA) calcined at three distinct temperatures (600, 700, and 800 °C) was determined by two direct methods: Frattini and Chapelle. Supporting physicochemical techniques were used to evaluate the properties and suitability of PLA as a pozzolan. The elemental composition of PLA is assessed by CHNS-analysis, while Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy shows functional groups. Calcium oxide is the most significant crystalline phase in the 700−800 °C temperature range. Pozzolanic tests yielded significant results in terms of Ca(OH) 2 consumption for samples calcined at 700 and 800 °C: CaO reductions above 34 and 20% in the Frattini test and 240.46 and 107.87 mg Ca(OH) 2 /g PLA in the Chapelle test, respectively. Frattini and Chapelle tests may be affected due to calcium compounds leaching and are not appropriate for CaO-dominant materials.