Physiochemical Properties of Poly-vinyl alcohol-modified Fly-Bottom Ash Mixture for Engineering Utilization

• Published in: Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology
• Main Author: Ayob A.; Robert C.G.; Von L.E.; Harnaeni S.R.; Rahim M.A.; Mokhtar H.; Rahman F.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Penerbit Akademia Baru 2022
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85141496064&doi=10.37934%2faraset.28.1.112&partnerID=40&md5=8b06dde8cfd59fbb5e8d1d41905a8411

Despite the current advancements in, and increasing use of renewable types of energy, approximately 40% of the world’s electricity is still produced by coal fired power stations. This trend is significantly higher in some continents, for example approximately 70% in India and up to 90% in South Africa. In this study the fly-bottom ash (FBA) mixture with different component percentages of BA (bottom ash)100, FA (fly ash) 25-BA75, FA50-BA50, FA75-BA25 and FA100 were modified with 2% of poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA), and tested in terms of particle size distribution, specific gravity, pH, surface morphology, mineralogical-compound content, and engineering properties. The physiochemical modified FBA were examined via scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray fluorescence, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Polymeric-modified FBA for all compositions exhibited high pH values within the range of 10.11–10.70. SEM image exhibited agglomerated and strongly bonded PVA-modified FBA with FA50-BA50 composition because of the effect of polymer that reacted with the fine ashes. The unsubstantial shift in peak position of Si/Al-O stretches showed electrostatic interaction between PVA and FBA based on FTIR analysis. The PVA-modified FBA at composition of FA50-BA50 increased the gradient of stress–strain curves, which significantly improved the strength behavior of PVA-modified FBA sample. It is thus imperative that other sustainable methods of managing coal combustion-by products be expanded. © 2022, Penerbit Akademia Baru. All rights reserved.