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Location
Lexington, Kentucky
Start Date
5-5-2026 3:30 PM
End Date
5-5-2026 5:00 PM
Description
The chemical and microstructural evaluation of coal-derived aluminosilicate precursors is critical for understanding their suitability in advanced construction material systems. In this study, a characterization of Class F fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), and Silica Fumes (SF) was conducted to elucidate their morphological and elemental features. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to assess particle morphology and surface characteristics (porosity, particle diameter, particle geometry), and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) to determine elemental composition and distribution. The analysis revealed distinct morphological and compositional differences among the precursors, including spherical fly ash particles, calcium-rich slag phases, and ultra-fine silica fume, all contributing to their geopolymer reactivity potential. Building upon this characterization, geopolymer samples were independently prepared by a collaborating civil engineering study using these precursor systems and alkali activation methods. The resulting materials demonstrated properties consistent with ultra-high strength geopolymer systems, which validates the relevance of the precursor characteristics identified through chemical engineering analysis. The correlation between precursor morphology, phase composition, and elemental distribution with observed material performance highlights the importance of detailed physicochemical understanding in guiding material design. Ongoing work is focused on further refining the geopolymer matrix toward a more pore-free, confined structure to transition from ultra-high strength to ultra-high-performance materials. This study emphasizes a chemical engineering driven approach to coal ash utilization, where advanced characterization informs the development and optimization of next-generation geopolymer systems.
Document Type
Presentation
Archival?
Archival
Included in
Energy Systems Commons, Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons, Mining Engineering Commons, Oil, Gas, and Energy Commons, Structural Materials Commons, Sustainability Commons
Coal Ash-Derived Aluminosilicate Precursors: A Chemical Engineering Approach to Geopolymer Characterization
Lexington, Kentucky
The chemical and microstructural evaluation of coal-derived aluminosilicate precursors is critical for understanding their suitability in advanced construction material systems. In this study, a characterization of Class F fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), and Silica Fumes (SF) was conducted to elucidate their morphological and elemental features. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to assess particle morphology and surface characteristics (porosity, particle diameter, particle geometry), and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) to determine elemental composition and distribution. The analysis revealed distinct morphological and compositional differences among the precursors, including spherical fly ash particles, calcium-rich slag phases, and ultra-fine silica fume, all contributing to their geopolymer reactivity potential. Building upon this characterization, geopolymer samples were independently prepared by a collaborating civil engineering study using these precursor systems and alkali activation methods. The resulting materials demonstrated properties consistent with ultra-high strength geopolymer systems, which validates the relevance of the precursor characteristics identified through chemical engineering analysis. The correlation between precursor morphology, phase composition, and elemental distribution with observed material performance highlights the importance of detailed physicochemical understanding in guiding material design. Ongoing work is focused on further refining the geopolymer matrix toward a more pore-free, confined structure to transition from ultra-high strength to ultra-high-performance materials. This study emphasizes a chemical engineering driven approach to coal ash utilization, where advanced characterization informs the development and optimization of next-generation geopolymer systems.
