Microstructure of ferrospheres in fly ashes: SEM, EDX and ESEM analysis

Abstract

Ferrospheres in fly ashes from a coal-fired power plant were extracted by a magnetic separation technique and their microstructure was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). Ferrospheres in fly ashes show significant iron enrichment compared to their respective fly ashes. Iron oxides in ferrospheres mainly occur as minerals magnetite (Fe3O4) and hematite (α-Fe2O3), which are derived mainly from the decomposition and oxidation of iron-bearing minerals in coal during combustion. EDX data indicate that ferrospheres also contain Si, S, Al and Ca resulting from quartz, mullite, anhydrite and amorphous materials. A large percentage of ferrospheres are commonly 5∼50 μm in size. The microstructure of ferrospheres includes smooth, polygonal, dendritic, granular and molten drop characteristics. SEM coupled with EDX provided fast and accurate results of the microstructure and chemical composition of ferrospheres, and helped us to assess environmental issues related to the disposal and utilization of fly ashes.