Abstract
Biomass combustion is a significant new source of green energy in the European Union. The adequate utilization of byproducts created during that process is a growing challenge for the energy industry. Biomass fly ash could be used in cement composite production after appropriate activation of that material. This study had been conducted to assess the usefulness of mechanical and physical activation methods (grinding and sieving), as well as activation through the addition of active silica in the form of silica fume, as potential methods with which to activate biomass fly ash. Setting time, compressive strength, water absorption and bulk density tests were performed on fresh and hardened mortar. While all activation methods influenced the compressive strength development of cement mortar with fly ash, sieving of the biomass fly ash enhanced the early compressive strength of cement mortar. The use of active silica in the form of silica fume ensured higher compressive strength results than those of control specimens throughout the entire measurement period.
Highlights
Materials 2021, 14, 6654. https://The consumption of cement has been soaring in the first decades of the 21st century.Cement production is a source of 7–8% of global carbon dioxide emissions, mainly through the decomposition of carbonate minerals during clinker production [1]
The addition of 20% of silica fume to the fly ash composition resulted in compressive strength development similar to that shown by the control specimens (Figure 8)
Specimens with the addition of 20% of silica fume to the untreated fly ash mix had results around 8 MPa, while the 2-day compressive strength of sieved fly ash enriched with the addition of 20% of silica fume increased to 16 MPa
Summary
Materials 2021, 14, 6654. https://The consumption of cement has been soaring in the first decades of the 21st century.Cement production is a source of 7–8% of global carbon dioxide emissions, mainly through the decomposition of carbonate minerals during clinker production [1]. The overreliance of all modern economies on cement binders is a significant concern for meeting carbon neutrality targets in the decades ahead. This challenge is recognized by science, but public discourse as well [2]. One of the key means by which to reduce cement consumption in the construction sector is the usage of mineral additives or the utilization of composite cements in concrete production. The global average utilization rate of coal fly ash is about 25%, but in European Union countries and in the United States it is significantly higher and has been growing for years [5,6].
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