Evaluation of the possibility of preparing geopolymer materials based on slags and fly ashes from the thermal treatment of municipal waste Bewertung der Möglichkeit der Herstellung geopolymerer Werkstoffe auf Grundlage von Schlacken und Flugaschen aus der thermischen Behandlung kommunaler Abfälle

Abstract

The main motivation for this research work was the need to find new ways of managing process byproducts of combustion in a way that is safe for the environment and human health. The paper presents research confirming the applicability of the geopolymerization process to stabilize slags and ashes from municipal waste incineration plants. The article aims to assess the possibility of preparing geopolymer materials based on slags and ashes from the process of thermal transformation of municipal waste. The first stage of the work was the characterization of the raw materials used for research using microstructural tests (scanning electron microscopy, x-ray fluorescence and x-ray diffraction). The next stage was the synthesis of the geopolymer material based on the above-mentioned byproducts of the combustion process, including obtaining appropriate samples i. e., beams and cubes. The initial stage of work indicated the need to combine geopolymer materials with the content of slag and fly ash of post-process origin after the thermal transformation of municipal waste, mixed with another additive to improve the cohesion of the material. For this purpose, another product, which came from thermal transformation processes, was used - fly ash from the coal-fired power plant. Then, selected physical and mechanical properties of the prepared materials were determined, including: density, compression and bending tests and water absorption. The microstructure of the obtained materials was also characterized. The obtained results were assessed in terms of the possibilities of using new materials in the construction industry.