Abstract
Fly ash from coal power stations consists typically of a series of oxide minerals. These minerals can have beneficial effects when used as reinforcement in a plastic matrix. In this work the advanced technique SIMS has been utilised to identify the spatial distribution of the various minerals in fly ash in an epoxy matrix with fly ash weights of 10% and 50%. It is observed that SIMS, which can scan normally to a precision of 0.5 to 0.05wt.%, could positively identify the distribution of the fly ash mineral elements in the epoxy. Attempts were also made to identify the fly ash element distribution in the epoxy using a composition analysis method, namely, EDS. However, it is observed that in the present fly ash–epoxy composites, EDS could not identify the fly ash elements demonstrating SIMS is a much preferred identification technique than the popular EDS method.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
