Carbonation of high-Ca fly ashes under flue gas conditions: implications for their valorization in the construction industry

Abstract

The utilization of high-calcium fly ashes (HCFA) from coal-fired power plants in the construction industry is problematic, since their high free lime contents can lead to durability problems. In this research, the carbonation of a high-CaO fly ash has been carried out using simulated flue gas and concentrated CO2, with the aim to assess the valorization potential of such materials in the construction industry. The results show that, at 7 bars total pressure, an up to 36% carbonation efficiency can be achieved in just 30 min when pure CO2 is used; a comparable result with flue gas requires about 4 h of reaction. On the other hand, experiments carried out at atmospheric pressure show significantly different carbonation efficiencies depending on the CO2 concentration of the gas used. All experiments resulted in a substantial reduction in the original free lime content, and after reaction times of 4 h (at atmospheric pressure) and pressures of 7 bars (for any reaction time >30 min), the final free lime values were low enough to comply with the requirements of European Standards for their utilization as additions in cement. ; This work has been partially funded by the Government of Catalonia through the FI-2017 program for the recruitment of early-stage researchers. Contract number: 2017 FI_B00129 (K.R.) and by the Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctoral Programme on Environomical Pathways to Sustainable Energy Services (SELECTp; A. C.). Grant ENE2015-63969-C3-1-R (Spanish Government; IC co-I) and AGH grant number 16.16.210.476 (KZ). ; Peer Reviewed ; Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::13 - Acció per al Clima ; Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::7 - Energia Assequible i No Contaminant ; Postprint (published version)