Jan Deja

Investigation of the coal fly ashes using IR spectroscopy.

The results of FT-IR spectroscopic studies of coal fly ashes, originated from various polish power plants are reported. The results of MIR investigations were compared to the X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements and chemical analyses. They are mainly composed of silica, alumina and lime. The infrared spectrum in the middle range can be used to describe both the structure of phases present in the fly ash and to identify the characteristic elements of the individual components of ash. The results indicate that the amount of aluminosilicate and its Si/Al ratio induce a shift in the T-O stretching band appearing at 950-1100 cm(-1). Moreover, FWHM of these bands indicates the participation of the crystalline phase relative to amorphous. The presence of carbonate phases generates substantial changes in the 1450-1400 cm(-1) area of the spectra. The presence of such phases as anhydrite, mullite or illite has also been established on the basis of IR spectra.

Spectroscopy study of Zn, Cd, Pb and Cr ions immobilization on C–S–H phase ☆

Calcium silicate hydrates (C-S-H) have a large number of structural sites available for cations and anions to bind. The C-S-H phases are materials which have ability to toxic ions immobilization. Immobilization mechanisms for C-S-H include sorption, phase mixing, substitution and precipitation of insoluble compounds. This study presents the C-S-H (prepared with C/S ratios 1.0) phase as absorbent for immobilization of Zn, Cd, Pb and Cr ions. The C-S-H spectra before and after incorporation of heavy metals ions into the C-S-H structure were obtained. The effect of added heavy metals ions on the hydration phenomena was studied by means of X-ray diffractions analysis. FTIR spectra was measured. The microstructure and phase composition of C-S-H indicate that they can play an essential role in the immobilization of heavy metals. The properties of C-S-H in the presence of Zn, Cd, Pb and Cr cations were studied. The leaching ML test was used to evaluate the level of immobilization of heavy metals in C-S-H. The leached solutions are diluted and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and the activated solid particles are separated, washed, desiccated and analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. It was found that the degree of Cd, Zn, Pb and Cr cations immobilization was very high (exceeding 99.96%).

The effect of CaO/SiO2 molar ratio of CaO-Al2O3-SiO2 glasses on their structure and reactivity in alkali activated system

The influence of CaO/SiO2 molar ratio of calcium aluminosilicate glasses on resulting structure and reactivity was investigated. Chemical compositions of glasses were chosen to mimic the composition of the fly ash and slag amorphous phase. Understanding the reactivity of these materials is of high importance allowing further development of the composite cements to limit the environmental footprint of cement industry. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy were employed to examine the structure of glasses. Reactivity of the glasses was analyzed on paste samples after 1, 2, 7, 28 and 90days of curing by means of thermogravimetry (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FTIR. Spectroscopic results emphasize dependence of the structure on the chemical composition of the glasses. The higher CaO/SiO2 the more depolymerized the glass network is, though there is no direct correlation with the reactivity. Significant differences in reactivity is observed primarily between the glasses of peraluminous (CaO/Al2O3<1) and percalcic region (CaO/Al2O3>1). Amongst the pastes made of glasses of percalcic region a higher degree of reaction at later ages is observed for the paste containing glass of lower CaO/SiO2 molar ratio. This is due to both degree of depolimerization and the nature of these glasses (pozzolanic and hydraulic materials). No difference of degree of reaction has been observed within the glasses of CaO/SiO2 lower than 1.

Effect of Metakaolinite on Properties of Alkali Activated Slag Materials

Metakaolinite was introduced to alkali activated slag mortars and pastes. Properties of fresh and hardened mortars as well as phase composition and microstructure of hardened pastes were investigated. Introduction of metakaolinite both as addition as well as substitution of slag results in severe decrease in strength of the mortars. SEM observations revealed, that metakaolinite presence results in much less compacted microstructure comparing to reference slag paste. The reason for that are differences in phase composition as determined with XRD. C-S-H phase formation is retained in the presence of metakaolinite and thus degree of hydration of slag is decreased comparing to reference, slag paste.

Influence of Sulphides on Hydration of Ground Granulated Slag Alkali Activated Mortars and Pastes

Influence of sodium sulphide on properties of sodium hydroxide activated ground granulated blast furnace slag was investigated. Properties of both fresh (cone flow, density) as well as hardened (compressive strength) mortars were determined. Early hydration of pastes was investigated using conducting calorimetry. Results showed, that introduction of sodium sulphide to caustic soda activated slag only slightly influence the course of hydration process. Early strength is increased by about 10%. In later periods strength is virtually not affected by the presence of sodium sulphide. Those observations are confirmed by calorimetric results. Presence of sodium sulphide causes slight decrease in consistency of mortars. Colour of mortars is also affected by the presence of sulphides. It is more darker and it is most probably due to the reducing properties of sulphide ions. Results of model investigations on precipitated C-S-H phase showed, that presence of sulphides results in increased main basal spacing of C-S-H phase as determined by XRD.

Influence of Calcined Mine Tailings on the Properties of Alkali Activated Slag Mortars

Influence of copper mine tailings on properties of soda activated ground granulated blast furnace slag mortars and pastes was investigated. Calcination of copper mine tailings was found to be a method of increasing their pozzolanic activity. Material calcined at 750°C possessed highest pozzolanic activity. So obtained material can be used as a partial substitution of ground granulated slag in soda activated blends. Introduction of calcined copper mine tailings decrease strength up to 28 days, but after 56 days strength results are similar or even higher comparing to control samples. Phase composition of hydrated material is not affected significantly by the presence of calcined copper mine tailings.