Abstract
This paper presents the results of research on the effect of hydrated calcium sulfate (phosphogypsum) on the mechanical properties of composite based on aluminum powder. The phosphogypsum used is a by-product obtained in the phosphate fertilizers industry, e.g., at the Gdańskie Zakłady Fosforowe “Fosfory.” The amount of phosphogypsum produced in Poland must be reduced due to the high costs of its storage and environmental protection. One of the ways to dispose of it is to use it as a filler in composite rods based on aluminum powder. The amount of phosphogypsum added was 2% and 5% by weight in relation to the aluminum powder’s weight. The filled composite was subjected to strength tests to show whether phosphogypsum improves the mechanical properties of aluminum rods. Based on the results obtained, it was revealed that phosphogypsum used as a filler causes similar changes in the mechanical properties as mineral fillers described in the literature. Based on analyses of market potential, it can be easily assumed that there is a significant demand for the results of research on the use of phosphogypsum. The end of the article summarizes the discussed issue, emphasizing that solutions are sought for the use of phosphogypsum.
Highlights
There are three plants manufacturing phosphoric acid in Poland, and they are: Zakłady Chemiczne “Police” S.A., Gdańskie Zakłady Nawozów Fosforowych “Fosfory”S.A. and Zakłady Chemiczne “Alwernia” S.A
The first two plants produce a by-product in the form of hydrated phosphogypsum during the production of phosphoric acid (CaSO4·2H2O)
It is estimated that the production of 1 ton of fertilizer from phosphoric acid generates 4–5 tons of phosphogypsum, which is transported by barges to the heap in Wiślinka [1]
Summary
There are three plants manufacturing phosphoric acid in Poland, and they are: Zakłady Chemiczne “Police” S.A., Gdańskie Zakłady Nawozów Fosforowych “Fosfory”S.A. and Zakłady Chemiczne “Alwernia” S.A. The first two plants produce a by-product in the form of hydrated phosphogypsum during the production of phosphoric acid (CaSO4·2H2O). It is estimated that the production of 1 ton of fertilizer from phosphoric acid generates 4–5 tons of phosphogypsum, which is transported by barges to the heap in Wiślinka (near Gdańsk) [1]. According to Polish–Finnish researchers, in 2013, in some places of the Martwa Wisła (in Wiślinka), the concentration of phosphates exceeded the permissible standard 12-fold [2]. Due to the lack of appropriate safeguards, rainwater seeping through the heap rinses out the harmful fluoride, which enters ground and surface waters and the riverbed of Martwa Wisła [3]
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