Flue Gas Desulfurization Gypsum Research Articles

Effect of Mineral Admixtures on Physical, Mechanical, and Microstructural Properties of Flue Gas Desulfurization Gypsum-Based Self-Leveling Mortar

The production of flue gas desulfurization gypsum poses a serious threat to the environment. Thus, utilizing gypsum-based self-leveling mortar (GSLM) stands out as a promising and effective approach to address the issue. β-hemihydrate gypsum, cement, polycarboxylate superplasticizer, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose ether (HPMC), retarder, and defoamer were used to prepare GSLM. The impact of mineral admixtures (steel slag (SS), silica fume (SF), and fly ash (FA)) on the physical, mechanical, and microstructural properties of GSLM was examined through hydration heat, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. The GSLM benchmark mix ratio was determined as follows: 94% of desulfurization building gypsum, 6% of cement, 0.638% each of water reducer and retarder, 0.085% each of HPMC and defoamer (calculated additive ratio relative to gypsum), and 0.54 water-to-cement ratio. Although the initial fluidity decreased in the GSLM slurry with silica fume, there was minimal change in 30 min fluidity. Notably, at an SS content of 16%, the GSLM exhibited optimal flexural strength (6.6 MPa) and compressive strength (20.4 MPa). Hydration heat, XRD, and Raman analyses revealed that a small portion of SS actively participated in the hydration reaction, while the remaining SS served as a filler.

Solidification and Release Characteristics of Heavy Metals in Gypsum from Coal-Fired Power Plants

Heavy metals in flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum from coal-fired power plants are at risk of releaching during the processes of stockpiling and resource utilization. In this study, the effects of organosulfur chelators dithiocarbamate (DTC) and trisodium trithiocyanate-15 (TMT-15) on the solidification characteristics of heavy metals in desulphurized gypsum under different mass fractions, pH values, water contents and reaction times were investigated. The chemical composition and morphology were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The experiments showed that both DTC and TMT-15 were effective at stabilizing the heavy metals in the FGD gypsum, with more than a 50% curing effect for all the heavy metals except Pb. DTC showed a better stabilization for Pb, Hg, Cu, Zn, and Cr, and TMT-15 showed a better curing effect for Cd. The solidified gypsum had good heavy metal stability in low-water-content environments. Increasing the mass fraction, reaction time, and pH decreased the heavy metal leaching, and the mass fraction had the greatest effect on the total heavy metal leaching concentration, followed by the reaction time and pH value.

Enhancing Pb2+ removal efficiency in flow-through systems using flue gas desulfurization gypsum-based porous materials: Experimental and numerical studies

This study addresses the poor permeability of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum in water remediation and further explores its potential for resource utilization. FGD gypsum-based porous materials (FGPMs) were prepared using different foaming behavior as permeable reactive barrier (PRB) media materials. The dynamic removal performance of Pb2+ was investigated, and a numerical model was developed to validate the results. The findings reveal that the adsorption mechanisms of FGPMs primarily involve ion exchange and surface precipitation. Pb2+ does not alter the structure or functional groups of the materials. By optimizing the foaming behavior to enhance pore connectivity, the adsorption capacity increased from 8.78mg/g to 13.42mg/g, thereby extending the service life of the PRB. The presence of closed and capillary pores hinders the dynamic removal performance of Pb2+. Furthermore, the FGPMs exhibit superior removal performance at low flow rates, low concentrations, and high column heights, as confirmed by the numerical model. These results offer valuable insights for designing and optimizing FGD gypsum-based adsorption processes to remove Pb2+ from wastewater efficiently.

Improvement on engineering properties of alkali-activated paste with calcined oyster shell ash and flue gas desulfurisation gypsum

To reduce environmental pollution and conserve natural resources, calcined oyster shell ash (COSA), class F fly ash (FFA) and flue gas desulfurisation gypsum (FGDG) were used in an attempt to improve the engineering properties of alkali-activated ternary cementitious paste. The COSA – obtained by calcining crushed oyster shells at 800°C for 3 h and then grinding to pass through a no. 100 sieve – was used to substitute FFA at rates of 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 mass%. The alkali solution used was 10M sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate with a modulus of 2.5. The hardened paste with 7.5% COSA, 1% FGDG and ratio of weight of added water to dry binder of 0.09 at 56 days had the highest compressive strength of 62 MPa. Microstructural analyses (scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) showed that the resulting calcium aluminosilicate hydrate gel was found to have a compact microstructure, which improved the compressive strength of specimens. In summary, COSA successfully replaced natural limestone as a calcium oxide activator to manufacture an alkali-activated ternary cementitious paste containing FFA and FGDG.

Integration effects of soil amendments and cover crops on dryland no‐till corn

AbstractA field study was carried out at the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station near Pontotoc to evaluate the synergistic impacts of broiler litter (BL) and inorganic fertilizer nitrogen (N) with flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum and lignite in the presence of winter cover crops (WCCs) on dryland no‐till corn (Zea mays L.) in Falkner silt loam soil. The experimental design was a split‐plot randomized complete block design with three replications. The main plots were WCC and winter fallow (WF), and the subplots were fertilization treatments. Fertilization treatments included BL, inorganic fertilizer N, FGD gypsum and lignite with BL, FGD gypsum and lignite with inorganic fertilizer N, and an unfertilized control. BL, FGD gypsum, and lignite were applied at the rates of 13.4, 3.4, and 3.4 Mg ha−1, respectively. Inorganic fertilizer N was applied to corn at 168 kg N ha−1. BL increased soil carbon (C), soil infiltration, and resulted in higher corn grain yield compared to both inorganic fertilizer N and unfertilized control in 2020 and 2022. Averaged across fertilization treatments, WCC improved soil moisture, soil C, and soil infiltration by 16%, 19%, and 25% at the 0‐ to 15‐cm depth, respectively, and increased corn grain yield by 25% as compared to WF in 2022. Cover crops boosted corn grain yield during drier years. The combination of FGD gypsum and lignite with BL increased corn grain yield by 15% in 2020 and 13% in 2022 compared to BL alone. This approach can be considered to promote the sustainability of agroecosystems.

Effect of borax on the hydration and hardening of β-hemihydrate gypsum at high water–plaster ratio

The existing methods of preparing lightweight gypsum blocks are to make hollow slats or to make foamed blocks, both of which are defective and fail to meet the standards. In order to prepare lightweight gypsum blocks, this paper investigates the method of increasing the proportion of moisture to reduce the weight of gypsum blocks. To further understand the performance relation between β-hemihydrate gypsum (β-hemihydrate phosphogypsum and β-hemihydrate flue-gas desulfurization gypsum) and its products, the effect of borax on the hydration and hardening of β-hemihydrate gypsum at high water–plaster ratio was studied. The results showed that with an increase in borax dosage, the setting time of β-hemihydrate phosphogypsum (β-HPG) was evidently prolonged; the initial setting time increased from 15 to 62 min, and the final setting time increased from 22 to 93 min. The difference between the initial and final setting times also increased, and the fluidity of the gypsum slurry was improved. When the borax dosage reached 0.5%, the flexural strength of β-hemihydrate flue-gas desulfurization gypsum (β-HFGD) increased from 5.2 to 6.3 MPa and the compressive strength increased from 4.7 to 9.3 MPa after 28 d. By analyzing the changes in phase transition, hydration degree, infrared spectrum, particle size, and crystal microstructure during the hydration of β-hemihydrate gypsum, it was found that β-HPG was more sensitive to borax than β-HFGD at high water–plaster ratio and β-HFGD showed superior mechanical properties. The study findings will provide a theoretical basis for the application of β-hemihydrate gypsum products under humid conditions and expand the application range of gypsum products.

Evaluating the impact of gypsum as a novel bedding material on broiler performance, foot pad health, and fear response

Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) gypsum is a byproduct of the coal-fired power plant process commonly used to remove sulfur dioxide emissions from the flue gas. FGD gypsum has numerous industrial, agricultural, and environmental applications. This study aimed to explore a novel approach involving the use of FGD gypsum combined with different litter treatments as bedding for broiler production. It focused on performance metrics, including adjusted feed conversion ratio (AFCR) and average body weight (BW), foot pad dermatitis (FPD), and fear response over 5 consecutive flocks. A total of 1,800 one-day-old Ross 708 chicks were randomly assigned to 24 pens (75 birds/pen), divided into 6 treatment groups (4 pens/treatment), with 5 replications and raised until 42 d old (d). Treatments were gypsum that was decaked (D), rotovated (E), and rotovated then windrowed (F) between flocks. Control treatments using pine shavings were decaked (A), rotovated (B), and windrowed postrotovating (C). AFCR, average BW, and mortality were used as a measure of production. Foot pad dermatitis scores were taken on d42 using a scale of 0 (absence), 1 (mild), and 2 (severe). Response to observer and human approach test were used to measure fear response. Data were analyzed as a 2-way ANOVA (Proc Glimmix) for the main effects of bedding type and litter treatment. Means were identified using Tukey's HSD. No effect of bedding type or litter treatment was found for AFCR, BW, or mortality. FPD scores 2 and 1, were higher with pine shavings than gypsum (P = 0.01 and P = 0.01, respectively). While FPD scores 0 were higher for gypsum than the pine shaving (P = 0.01). No difference in fear response was found among birds raised on any of the gypsum litter treatments and any of the pine shaving litter treatments. Overall, the use of gypsum as bedding results in equivalent production and fear response to pine shavings, while increasing FPD quality when compared to pine shaving.

Carbon sequestration through mineral carbonation: Using commercial FGD-gypsum from a copper smelter for sustainable waste management and environmental impact mitigation

In this study, we conducted a comprehensive examination of a commercial FGD gypsum produced in a Copper (Cu) smelter process and delved into its potential use as a Calcium (Ca)-rich material for ex-situ mineral carbonation by exploring the partitioning and fate of these metal impurities. The resulting carbonation end-product displayed a calcium carbonate (CaCO3) content of 71.1%, featuring a relatively low CO2 conversion, which may be attributed to the presence of metallic impurities in the commercial FGD-gypsum. Most of these metallic impurities, acting as inputs to the carbonation process, originate from the parent FGD-gypsum matrix. This results in an increased ionic strength within the FGD gypsum, potentially impeding the diffusion of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the gas phase to the aqueous phase. The partitioning and examination of the speciation of major, minor, and trace elements at all stages of CO2 conversion allowed us to propose four potential reaction pathways influencing carbonation efficiency: (i) the formation of metal carbonates, (ii) the production of metal oxides and oxyhydroxides, (iii) the development of metal multiform compounds, and (iv) elements deviating from the outlined patterns. Commercial FGD-gypsum is suitable for acceptance at non-hazardous waste landfills. However, it's essential to highlight that leaching values of As exceed the inert range and non-hazardous waste standards in commercial FGD-gypsum. Although most heavy metal leaching values from the carbonate end-product stay below non-hazardous limits, the release of some heavy metal leachates from the carbonate end-product may limit reuse options for these materials.

Deterioration of mechanical properties and damage mechanism of flue gas desulfurization gypsum backfill under long-term erosion of chloride salt solution

Flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGDG), a solid waste material generated by power plants, offers a cost-effective solution for preparing backfill materials. Concurrently, given that most backfill materials are exposed to mine water erosion, an investigation into the mechanical performance degradation and damage mechanisms of FGDG backfill materials subjected to prolonged chloride salt erosion is crucial for ensuring the stability of goaf backfills (by goaf, we mean the area or space that remains underground after the extraction of valuable minerals). This study explores the mechanical properties and damage mechanisms of backfill samples treated with varying concentrations of chloride. The findings indicate that over time, the mass of the sample initially decreases, experiences a slight increase, and then gradually declines. Simultaneously, the strength and structure of the sample deteriorate rapidly, followed by a partial recovery. The rebound in sample mass is attributed to an incomplete hydration reaction that continuously transforms free water into bound water. Microstructure analysis techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), reveals that the degradation in mechanical strength and structure is a consequence of chloride salt erosion. Subsequent reuse is facilitated by the formation of Friedel's salt resulting from the reaction between hydration products and chloride ions, filling voids in the sample and impeding further chloride ion erosion into the deeper regions. Notably, FGDG exhibits outstanding reuse performance in prolonged and high-concentration chloride ion environments. This study serves as a reference for understanding the deterioration mechanism and practical application of backfills in chloride-rich environments.

The effects and solidification characteristics of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash-slag-tailing based backfill blocks in underground mine condition

Currently, there is a limited understanding of the material performance effects and hydration mechanisms of solidified waste-based binder filling materials containing municipal solid waste incineration fly ash in the actual underground filling environment. This study utilized the Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) and Grate Furnace (GF) techniques to produce quadri-component uncalcined binder fill materials from municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWI FA), blast furnace slag (BFS), flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum, and tailings. The solidified test blocks were then cured in-situ in a void space of a certain iron underground mine in Hebei with conditions (temperature: 25-30℃, humidity: 18-19%, mine water influx: annual average of 150m3/h). The research results indicate that the mechanical performance and heavy metal solidification outcomes of these blocks surpassed those samples cured under laboratory conditions (temperature: (20±1)℃, humidity: not less than 90%), demonstrating the feasibility of using MSWI FA for underground binding and backfilling in mines. Building upon preliminary research, a binder mix proportion was established: 20wt.% MSWI FA, 70wt.% BFS, and 10wt.% FGD gypsum. Test blocks were fabricated using lead-zinc tailings sand and iron mine tailings as aggregates. All blocks met the 28-day strength requirements for typical mine backfills ranging from 1 to 6.5MPa, with the strength of the XB-M group reaching 24MPa (when cured underground). The leaching concentrations of heavy metals were all below the limits set for class III groundwater standards, with Pb, Zn, Cr, and As achieving a solidification rate of over 98% at 28 days. Microscopic hydration mechanisms indicate that the primary hydration products in the solidified body were ettringite, Friedel's salt, and C-S-H gel. The high content of reactive Al2O3 in the CFB fly ash enables the [AlO4]5- to substitute [SiO4]4-, leading to the formation of a long-chain, high polymerization C-A-S-H phase. Additionally, the abundant Cl- in GF fly ash readily reacted with [Al(OH)6]3−, forming Friedel's salt. The hydration products in the blocks cured under mine conditions significantly increased in their degree of polymerization. This provides a practical application approach for the future treatment and reuse of MSWI FA. Environmental implicationMSWI FA is classified as hazardous waste (HW18) due to its content of harmful components such as chlorides, dioxins, and soluble heavy metals, which pose potential environmental pollution risks. This study, for the first time, solidified test specimens were sent to an underground mining void in a certain iron mine in Hebei, China, for on-site curing (temperature range: 25-30°C, humidity: 18-19%, annual average mine water inflow rate: 150m3/h). The mechanical properties and the solidification performance of heavy metals in the test specimens were superior to those under laboratory curing conditions (temperature: (20±1)°C, humidity not less than 90%).

Preparation and Performance Study of Alkali-active Gypsum Mixture System

To improve the mechanical properties and water resistance of gypsum specimens, thus solving the pollution problem due to the accumulation of flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGD gypsum), etc. The article utilizes flue gas desulfurization gypsum, gypsum citrate, and mineral powder as the main raw materials under a fixed ratio. The Alkali-activation gypsum-based cementitious material (Alkali-activation GM-S95 system) was obtained by modifying it with 0-5% Na(OH) and Ca(OH)2 alkaline admixtures, and the mechanical properties and water resistance of the Alkali-activation GM-S95 system were thoroughly investigated. The structural characteristics of the Alkali-activation GM-S95 system specimens were investigated using XRD, TG, SEM and LF-NMR techniques to explore their interactions. The results showed that the compressive strength of the Alkali-activation GM-S95 system was significantly increased to 26 MPa when 4% Ca(OH)2 was added alone, and the water absorption was decreased to 12.5%.The addition of 4% Ca(OH)2 caused the crystals of gypsum dihydrate to be thicker and denser, and AFT and C-S-H gels were produced, which were attached around the crystals of gypsum dihydrate. The addition of different admixtures can reduce the proportion of large pores and further fill the crystal structure. In summary, the addition of 4% Ca(OH)2 can improve the compressive strength and water resistance of the samples of Alkali-activation GM-S95 system, thus laying a solid foundation for the comprehensive utilization of flue gas desulfurization gypsum.

Effect of Al2(SO4)3 Additive on the Properties of Calcined Gypsum Prepared from Flue Gas Desulfurization

In order to upgrade the utilization of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum, crystal modifier aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3) was added into FGD gypsum to prepare calcined gypsum by calcining at normal pressure, and the effect of Al2(SO4)3 addition on the performance of calcined gypsum was studied. The results show that the addition of Al2(SO4)3 to FGD gypsum is slightly beneficial to promote the crystallization of hemihydrate gypsum (HH) along the a-axis direction. The Al2(SO4)3 addition also has a quick-setting effect on gypsum plaster during the hydration process, meanwhile inhibiting the growth of the (020) crystal plane of dihydrate gypsum (DH), then promoting uniform growth and aggregation along the c-axis. The close stacking makes hardened gypsum body dense and improves the strength of calcined gypsum. The strength of calcined gypsum prepared by calcining FGD gypsum with Al2(SO4)3 of 0.6 wt.% at 170 ℃ for 2 h is the highest. 2 h and 7 d flexural strength are 3.80 MPa and 7.20 MPa, and 2 h and 7 d compressive strength are 9.05 MPa and 19.23 MPa, respectively. In addition, 2 h flexural and compressive strength of the calcined gypsum with 0.6 ~ 1.0 wt.% of Al2(SO4)3 prepared at 170 ~ 180 ℃ for 2 h increase by 16 ~ 22 % and 20 ~ 33 %, respectively, which is very advantageous for the high value-added reuse of FGD gypsum for the preparation of high-quality calcined gypsum.

Flue Gas Desulfurization Products Use on Agricultural Land Use Systems

The Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) process is a set of technology that is used to remove the sulphur dioxide (SO2) present in the flue gas, which is exhausted from the thermal power plant during electricity generation. In FGD equipment, high calcium-containing sorbent materials are sprayed, which will react with the SO2 present in the flue gas and result in the formation of calcium sulphite and FGD gypsum etc. these formed waste materials are known as FGD products. The FGD products can be used in agricultural land for the amelioration of the soil acidity, salinity and alkalinity, it improves the soil’s physical property, reduce the runoff rate etc. Now a day around two per cent of generated FGD products is used in the agricultural field. As some of the FGD products may contain heavy metals, their direct use in the agriculture field may cause environmental hazards. To avoid environmental pollution before its direct use the chemical properties of the product have to be thoroughly checked. So by the use of these materials in the agricultural field, we can effectively convert waste material into useful products.

Development and Research of non-alkali FGD Gypsum Products

The set-up of desulphurization units in domestic coal-fired power plants has brought increasing output of FGD gypsum, which results in a wide application of FGD gypsum products. During the application of such products, people found that they are prone to alkalization, i.e., a phenomenon significantly affecting the appearance and performance of the products. In this study, fly ash, another kind of waste from coal-fired power plants, was introduced to inhibit the alkalization of FGD gypsum products under the action of the alkali-activator for better utilization of waste resources.

Experimental Study on the Properties and Hydration Mechanism of Gypsum-Based Composite Cementitious Materials

In order to achieve the resourceful, large-scale and high-value utilization of bulk industrial solid wastes such as flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGDG), fly ash (FA) and ground blast furnace slag (GGBS), and to reduce the dosage of cementitious materials, orthogonal experimental methods were used to prepare composite cementitious materials based on the principle of synergistic coupling and reconstruction of multi-solid wastes. Through the method of extreme difference and ANOVA, the influence law of different factor levels on the performance of the cementitious materials was studied, and the maximum compressive strength of cementitious materials was reached when the ordinary Portland cement (OPC) dosage was 20%, the FGDG dosage was 56%, the FA dosage was 19.2% and the slag dosage was 4.8%, and the W/B was 0.55. The hydration products and microscopic morphology of the cementitious materials were analyzed by means of XRD, SEM and MIP techniques, so as to elucidate the complex synergistic hydration mechanism, and then to determine the more optimal group distribution ratio. The results show that the hydration reaction between FGDG and OPC can be synergistic with each other, and C-A-H further generates AFt under the action of SO42−, and at the same time, it plays the role of alkali-salt joint excitation for FA–GGBS, generates a large amount of cementitious materials, fills up the pores of the gypsum crystal structure, and forms a dense microstructure.

Effects of flue gas desulfurization gypsum and clover planting on qualities of soil and winter jujube in coastal saline-alkali orchard of north China

Effects of flue gas desulfurization gypsum and clover planting on qualities of soil and winter jujube in coastal saline-alkali orchard of north China

Preparation of α-High Strength Gypsum from Flue Gas Desulfurization Gypsum Pretreated by Hydrothermal-aging Method

Preparation of α-High Strength Gypsum from Flue Gas Desulfurization Gypsum Pretreated by Hydrothermal-aging Method

Study on the synergistic effect of calcium carbide residue -fly ash enhanced desulphurisation gypsum under high temperature maintenance condition

The preparation of cementitious materials from bulk industrial solid waste is an effective way to replace cement. Based on the multi-component synergistic coupling effect, the influence law of different dosage of fly ash (FA) and calcium carbide residue (CCR) on the performance of flue-gas desulfurization gypsum (FGDG) slurry was investigated, and the hydration process of composite cementitious materials was discussed through the analysis of hydration products, micro morphology and pore structure by the characterisation methods such as XRD, FTIR, MIP and SEM-EDS. The results show that FA incorporation can improve the flow properties of the slurry, and under the action of CCR and FGDG, the alkalinity of the whole system rises, and the FA vitreous body undergoes dissolution corrosion, releasing reactive SiO2 and Al2O3, and forming C-S-H gel and AFt. In addition, some of the tiny FA particles fill up the pore spaces and microcracks, and the structure becomes denser, and all these effects together contribute to the development of the mechanical properties. This research is conducive to the application of new green cementitious materials and promotes the resourceful use of industrial solid waste.

Coordinated disposal of FGD gypsum and power plant concentrated brine via preparation of α-hemihydrate gypsum

α-hemihydrate (α-HH), known for its exceptional mechanical properties, is a widely used building material. Despite its advantages, the traditional method of producing α-HH through regular pressure brine poses significant drawbacks. These include substantial industrial salt demands, high production costs, and water pollution. A more environmentally friendly α-HH preparation process has been developed to counteract these issues, combining FGD gypsum and concentrated brine. This study delves into the effects of the principal ions present in concentrated brine on the phase transition process and the microstructure of the final product. Our findings reveal that the reaction rate accelerates with increased concentrations of Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, and Na+ in concentrated brine. However, excessive Na+ concentration can alter the phase transition process, converting the product to β-HH. Additionally, an overly high concentration of KCl may prompt a part of the K+ to engage in the reaction, leading to the formation of isomeric potassium gypsum. This process can disrupt the original structure of hemihydrate gypsum. The addition of maleic acid to the salt solution was found to foster anhydrous gypsum formation. In contrast, succinic acid can decrease the crystals' aspect ratio, resulting in the growth of short columns, thereby enhancing the product's strength performance. Our research also identified that the reaction rate elevates as the pH value declines. However, an acidic environment diminishes the size of the crystal and counteracts the crystal modifier's effects. Lastly, incorporating CaCl2 and MgCl2 into concentrated brine with a low Na+ concentration can convert FGD gypsum into high-strength α-HH. This transformation results in a product boasting a 1-day compressive strength of 40.5 MPa.

Effects of naphthalene superplasticizer on geopolymers activated by calcium carbide residue and Glauber's salt

Poor fluidity limits the large-scale applicability of geopolymers. This study aims to improve the fluidity of one-part geopolymer by naphthalene superplasticizer. Three types of systems were utilized as geopolymer precursors: fly ash (90 wt%), fly ash: silica fume (86 wt%: 4 wt%), and fly ash: flue gas desulfurization gypsum (85 wt%: 5 wt%). Then, activators comprising 5 wt% calcium carbide residue and 5 wt% Glauber's salt were used to prepare geopolymer composites. The resulting fluidity and mechanical strength of the developed geopolymer systems were evaluated. The 0.4 wt% naphthalene superplasticizer was found to have the optimal effect in the activated fly ash system, and the corresponding fluidity and strength increased by 17.2% and 22.8%, respectively. The results indicate that the increase in fluidity is attributed to the electrostatic repulsion between the naphthalene superplasticizer and the precursor particles. Further, the enhancement in compressive strength can be attributed to the increased gel formation resulting from intensified ion dissolution in the precursor due to the presence of the naphthalene superplasticizer, resulting in a denser microstructure with fewer pores.