Fabrication of fly-ash based tiles using liquid phase sintering technology

Abstract

Flyash, a residue of coal combustion, is an industrial waste. Flyash is a mixture of toxic chemicals and heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and selenium that is carcinogenic agents. However, more than 65% of flyash produced from coal-powered thermal power plants is disposed of in landfills and ash ponds. Flyash poses a great threat to humans and the environment (groundwater contamination). Hence, waste management is one of the major challenges of coal-powered thermal power plants in India. The project aims at the fabrication of flyash based ceramic tiles by liquid phase sintering technology for industrial and household applications. In this work, the technology for liquid phase sintering of flyash based ceramic tiles is demonstrated. Also, the glazing methodology for flyash based ceramic tiles is optimized. The results indicate that the fabricated flyash based ceramic tiles possess perfect ceramic matrix and glazed surface.