Influence of Fly Ash Addition in the Raw Mixture on Synthesis and Properties of Forsterite

Abstract

The aim of this article is to characterize the synthesis and properties of forsterite ceramics in dependence on different amount of fly ash in the raw material mixture. Forsterite ceramics is not currently produced in the Czech Republic. Forsterite is used in industry for its high refractoriness and for its coefficient of linear thermal expansion which is close to metals. The primary objective is to synthesize forsterite via solid state reaction using different amounts of fly ash in the raw material mixture. Fly ash is a secondary energy product from coal combustion in power plants. Therefore, it is inexpensive, and its recycling is important for the environment and sustainable development. Slovakia offers the import of talc, magnesite and its products. The article assessed the influence of different amounts of fly ash in the raw material mixture on the synthesis and properties of forsterite in terms of mineralogy, physico-mechanical properties of fired body and refractoriness.