Microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of autoclaved bricks from municipal solid waste incineration fly ash and coal fly ash (MSWIFA) and its carbon emission

Abstract

In this study, the feasibility of manufacturing low-carbon autoclaved municipal solid waste incineration fly ash and coal fly ash (MSWI-FA) bricks from MSWI fly ash and coal FA with microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis was investigated. To facilitate the experiment, block samples were prepared. The effects of microwave pre-treating parameters on the performance of block samples were investigated. Mechanisms of microwave pre-treating were studied. The effects of microwave pre-treating were further investigated by micro-analyses of synthesized block samples. Environmental impacts were discussed from heavy metal solidification/stabilization and CO2 emission. The results showed that the optimal microwave parameters were 30 min and 385 W. With microwave pre-treating, Al-substituted tobermorite crystallites were generated in raw material mixtures. For block samples, more Al-substituted tobermorite crystals were observed, and lower total pore volume and pore diameter were found. The solidification/stabilization rates of Cu, Pb, and Zn increased by 163.20%, 24.89%, and 78.77%, respectively, and CO2 emission could be reduced up to 53.40%.