Jan Koplík

The Characterization of Fixation of Ba, Pb, and Cu in Alkali-Activated Fly Ash/Blast Furnace Slag Matrix

The fixation of heavy metals (Ba, Cu, Pb) in an alkali-activated matrix was investigated. The matrix consisted of fly ash and blast furnace slag (BFS). The mixture of NaOH and Na-silicate was used as alkaline activator. Three analytical techniques were used to describe the fixation of heavy metals—X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). All heavy metals formed insoluble salts after alkaline activation. Ba was fixed as BaSO4, and only this product was crystalline. EDS mapping showed that Ba was cumulated in some regions and formed clusters. Pb was present in the form of Pb(OH)2 and was dispersed throughout the matrix on the edges of BFS grains. Cu was fixed as Cu(OH)2 and also was cumulated in some regions and formed clusters. Cu was present in two different chemical states; apart from Cu(OH)2, a Cu–O bond was also identified.

Effect of Na3PO4 on the Hydration Process of Alkali-Activated Blast Furnace Slag

In recent years, the utilization of different non-traditional cements and composites has been increasing. Alkali-activated cementitious materials, especially those based on the alkali activation of blast furnace slag, have considerable potential for utilization in the building industry. However, alkali-slag cements exhibit very rapid setting times, which are too short in some circumstances, and these materials cannot be used for some applications. Therefore, it is necessary to find a suitable retarding admixture. It was shown that the sodium phosphate additive has a strong effect on the heat evolution during alkali activation and effectively retards the hydration reaction of alkali-activated blast furnace slag. The aim of the work is the suggestion of a reaction mechanism of retardation mainly based on Raman and X‑ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Mechanisms of Macro-Pores Origin in the MDF Composites Fabrication

Paper deals with the description of the MDF composite microstructure and the possible emergence of macro-pores. MDF composites show enhanced mechanical properties, especially flexural strength. Where, the flexural strength can be associated with the elimination of critical cracks in the material. One of the steps of production of MDF composites is high-shear mixing, that just helps to achieve defect-free structure. The primary aim of this work is to specifically describe the origin of the macro-pores in the structure of MDF composites. The secondary one is to find appropriate setup for high-shear mixing equipment in order to eliminate main macro-pores (shear speed, distance between the rollers etc.).

Immobilization of Sr2+, Bi3+ and Zn2+ in Alkali-Activated Materials Based on Blast Furnace Slag and Fly Ash

It is well known, that alkali-activated materials (AAMs) are suitable for immobilization of heavy metals and other hazardous materials. This study is focused on the characterization of inhibition of three metals – Sr2+, Bi3+ and Zn2+ in alkali-activated matrices. Two type of matrices were prepared – alkali-activated blast furnace slag (BFS) and alkali-activated fly ash (FA). Sodium water glass was used as alkaline activator. The ability of these matrices to fix the metals were proved by leaching tests. Compressive strength was measured to characterize mechanical properties of the matrices. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was used to examine distribution and chemical state of metals within the matrices. The observed metals mainly formed the insoluble compounds after alkali activation.

Influence of Pb Dosage on Immobilization Characteristics of Different Types of Alkali-Activated Mixtures and Mortars

Alkali-activated matrices are suitable materials for the immobilization of hazardous materials such as heavy metals. This paper is focused on the comparison of immobilization characteristics of various inorganic composite materials based on blast furnace slag and on the influence of various dosages of the heavy metal Pb on the mechanical properties and fixation ability of prepared matrices. Blast furnace slag (BFS), fly ash, and standard sand were used as raw materials, and sodium water glass was used as an alkaline activator. Pb(NO3)2 served as a source of heavy metal and was added in various dosages in solid state or as aqueous solution. The immobilization characteristics were determined by leaching tests, and the content of Pb in the eluate was measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The microstructure of matrices and distribution of Pb within the matrix were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Increasing the dosage of the heavy metal had negative impacts on the mechanical properties of prepared matrices. The leaching tests confirmed the ability of alkali-activated materials to immobilize heavy metals. With increasing addition of Pb, its content in eluates increased.

The Leachability of Heavy Metals from Alkali-Activated Fly Ash and Blast Furnace Slag Matrices

The ability of alkali-activated materials (AAMs) to fix and immobilize heavy metals was investigated. Two raw materials were used to prepare alkali-activated matrices – high-temperature fly ash and blast furnace slag (BFS). NaOH served as an alkaline activator. Two heavy metals (Mn, Ni) were added in different amounts to find out the influence of dosage of heavy metal on the mechanical properties of the matrices and the leachability. Leachability was measured as concentration of heavy metals in leachates (ČSN EN 12457-4) by inductively coupled plasma/optical emission spectrometry (ICP/OES). Structure of prepared matrices was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Increasing of addition of heavy metals led to decrease of mechanical properties of matrices. The leaching tests showed, that both matrices can immobilize Mn and Ni in dosages of 0.1 – 2,5%. Higher dosages caused deterioration of the matrices and increased the leachability. After alkali activation both heavy metals were transformed into the form of insoluble salts.