Speciation in Size and Density Fractionated Fly Ash

Abstract

Morphological, chemical and mineralogical speciation of fly ash from a power plant burning sub-bituminous coal has been investigated by examination of size and density fractions. It was found that whereas, fractionation by size revealed little information as to speciation among particle types, separation of the ash into six density fractions showed major differences in properties associated with true particle density. In particular it was found that at least two types of glass co-exist in the ash: “Glass I” — a predominantly silico-aluminous glass associated with particles of low density (cenospheres); “Glass II” — a calcium alumino-silicate glass associated with high-density particles. These glasses were found to differ greatly in composition and to be characterized by shifts in the position of the 2-theta of the XRD-halo. In addition, it was shown that cryptocrystalline mullite is associated only with the low-density particles. It is proposed that particles comprising low-density fractions can be considered as glassceramics with low degrees of crystallization. Particles of high-density are better described as the products of internal lime-sinter reactions.