Comminution: A Supplementation for Pozzolanic Adaptation of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash

Abstract

Sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) has commendable potential as pozzolanic material on account of silica as an attractive oxide composition; however, the coarser size of SCBA fractions hinders the fullest potential. In this regard, the choice of the comminution process is inevitable. In the present investigation, three sugarcane bagasse ash samples with a variable loss on ignition (less than 20%), but in compliance with the oxide composition requirement of ASTM C618, were selected to assess the effect of grinding on the particle size of SCBA and, in turn, the pozzolanic reactivity of ground SCBA. Four different methods of pozzolanic reactivity were adopted to evaluate the suitable characteristics of SCBA, enhancing the pozzolanicity. The results of the pozzolanic reactivity of ground SCBA showed that a particle size (D50) lower than 35 μm and particles below 45 μm higher than 60% was a desirable level of grinding in attaining the minimum strength activity index (SAI) (75%). The provided amorphous silica was more than 25%, and oxide composition conformed to ASTM C618. Assessment of the pozzolanic reactivity of SCBA through simple and feasible techniques like the Frattini test and the modified Chapelle test with SAI appears reassuring. The attainment of the suggested level of particle sizes for SCBA through comminution indicates it is a viable method for developing pozzolanic reactivity.