Utilization of by-products from western coal combustion in the manufacture of mineral wool and other ceramic materials

Abstract

The ash by-products from combustion or gasification of western U.S. coals have chemical and mineralogical characteristics that lend themselves to utilization in ceramic materials. Laboratory and pilot-scale fabrication of four such materials has been studied. Cyclone slag from four lignite-fired power plants and a dry scrubber ash have been fabricated into mineral wool insulation in a pilot-scale cupola. Extruded and fired mixtures of fly ash, clay and ground glass have produced ceramics with extraordinary high flexural strength. Ceramic glazed wall tile that utilize fly ash in place of clay have been prepared and shown to meet most specifications for fired clay tile. Both fired and unfired dry-pressed brick containing 100% western fly ash have met ASTM specifications for fired clay brick.