The Influence of Cement Substitution by Biomass Fly Ash on the Polymer–Cement Composites Properties

Abstract

The generation of energy for the needs of the population is currently a problem. In consideration of that, the biomass combustion process has started to be implemented as a new source of energy. The dynamic increase in the use of biomass for energy generation also resulted in the formation of waste in the form of fly ash. This paper presents an efficient way to manage this troublesome material in the polymer–cement composites (PCC), which have investigated to a lesser extent. The research outlined in this article consists of the characterization of biomass fly ash (BFA) as well as PCC containing this waste. The characteristics of PCC with BFA after 3, 7, 14, and 28 days of curing were analyzed. Our main findings are that biomass fly ash is suitable as a mineral additive in polymer–cement composites. The most interesting result is that the addition of biomass fly ash did not affect the rheological properties of the polymer–cement mortars, but it especially influenced its compressive strength. Most importantly, our findings can help prevent this byproduct from being placed in landfills, prevent the mining of new raw materials, and promote the manufacture of durable building materials.

Possible Options for Utilization of EU Biomass Waste: Pyrolysis Char, Calorific Value and Ash Content

“…They also have the most ash, which is another reason to use parsley root peels as co-feed in order to reduce the amount of ash slag from such a power plant. Considering the fact that the willow exhibits a much different ash composition, with calcium carbonate being the main constituent rather than a potassium-containing compound, it could be added as co-feed to control the ash/slag composition for the application of such ash/slag in, e.g., cement production [ 48 , 49 ].…”

Influence of Mechanical and Mineralogical Activation of Biomass Fly Ash on the Compressive Strength Development of Cement Mortars

“…Biomass fly ash that derives from the combustion of herbaceous energy crops tends to have a higher percentage of alkaline oxides in its chemical oxide composition than coal fly ash, whereas woody biomass fly ash tends to have a higher content of calcium oxide (up to 80%). Even so, SiO 2 content can be as high as 68%, and the overall chemical oxide composition of this type of fly ash can be similar to that of Class C fly ash [17][18][19][20]. Mixed reports have been published on the mineralogical composition and content of reactive phases in biomass fly ashes [21][22][23][24].…”

Mechanical Properties and Microstructural Features of Biomass Fly Ash-Modified Self-Compacting Coal Gangue-Filled Backfill

“…In comparison with coal fly ash, the limited number of harmful elements in BFA also significantly reduces the adverse effects on human health and the natural environment [ 8 , 13 ]. Jaworska et al [ 14 ] confirmed the feasibility of agricultural BFA as a mineral admixture in polymer-modified cement composites by examining its gradation and activity index and also revealed that the addition of BFA significantly enhances compressive strength. Thiedeitz et al [ 7 ] used rice husk ash as SCM and investigated its contribution to mortar microstructure, strength, and durability properties; the enhanced strength development along with low water absorption and small capillary porosity indicated that rice husk ash is a suitable pozzolanic admixture.…”

“…Thiedeitz et al [ 7 ] used rice husk ash as SCM and investigated its contribution to mortar microstructure, strength, and durability properties; the enhanced strength development along with low water absorption and small capillary porosity indicated that rice husk ash is a suitable pozzolanic admixture. The reactivity of BFA is lower than OPC, and the mixture containing BFA usually increases the amount of water needed for maintaining the desired rheology of the fresh mixture [ 14 ]. It is known that the workability and mechanical strength of mixtures containing BFA depend on the dosage of BFA [ 14 , 15 ].…”

“…The reactivity of BFA is lower than OPC, and the mixture containing BFA usually increases the amount of water needed for maintaining the desired rheology of the fresh mixture [ 14 ]. It is known that the workability and mechanical strength of mixtures containing BFA depend on the dosage of BFA [ 14 , 15 ]. Fořt et al [ 8 ] investigated the basic physical and mechanical properties of concretes modified with large amounts of BFA produced by wood combustion, and the results showed that BFA can replace cement binders up to 20 wt.% without any significant loss of mechanical properties, and even higher doses are still acceptable for low-performance applications.…”