Search for: All records

Abstract A geopolymer was produced from coal ash generated from an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) plant and its water resistance was evaluated. For this purpose, the geopolymer specimens were immersed in water for 30 days to measure changes in microstructure and alkalinity of the immersion liquid. Particularly, the experiment was carried out with foaming status of the geopolymers and parameters of room temperature aging condition, and immersion time. The foamed geopolymer containing 0.1 wt% Si-sludge had pores with a diameter of 1 to 3 mm and exhibited excellent foamability. Also, the calcium-silicate-hydrate crystal phase appeared in the foamed geopolymer. In the geopolymer immersion experiment, the pH of the immersion liquid increased with time, because the un-reacted alkali activator remained was dissolved in the immersion liquid. From the pH change of the immersion liquid, it was found that geopolymer reaction in the foamed specimen was completed faster than the non-foamed specimen. Through this study, it was possible to successfully produce foamed and non-foamed geopolymers recycled from IGCC coal ash. Also the necessary data for the safe application of IGCC coal ash-based geopolymers to areas where water resistance is needed were established; for example, the process conditions for room temperature aging time, effect of foaming status, immersion time and so on.