Microstructural and functional characterization of sintered fly ash

Abstract

The utilization of industry by-products, such as fly ash, was investigated. However, the research results have yet to report the functional characteristics of fly ash. This paper deals with the processing, microstructure, and functional characterization of fly ash using a novel powder metallurgy method. The elemental composition, mineralogical phases, morphology phases, electrical and dielectric properties were determined by XRF, XRD, SEM, and impendence analyzer, respectively. The effect of additives on fly ash's microstructure and functional properties was studied. As a result, sintered fly ash possesses better microstructure and dielectric properties as a function of frequency and temperature. It is suggested that sintered fly ash can be utilized for electronic packaging and EMI shielding applications.