Development and Mechanical Analysis of Geopolymers Formed with Mining Residue and Fly Ash from Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Obtained After the Neutralisation Stage

Renewable energy sources are presented as a key solution to today¿s energy needs, but they also generate waste that can have a negative impact on the environment. In particular, fly ash from the incineration of municipal solid waste (MSW), classified as hazardous by European regulations, is often de...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Terrones Saeta, Antonia, Terrones Saeta, Juan María, Suárez Macías, Jorge, Iglesias Godino, Francisco Javier, Corpas Iglesias, Francisco Antonio
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universidad Alfonso X el Sabio
Repositorio:Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad Alfonso X el Sabio
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:archive.uax.com:20.500.12080/47792
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12080/47792
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:geopolymers
potentially toxic elements
mining residue
energy source waste
circular economy mechanical analysis
sustainability
construction materials
Descripción
Sumario:Renewable energy sources are presented as a key solution to today¿s energy needs, but they also generate waste that can have a negative impact on the environment. In particular, fly ash from the incineration of municipal solid waste (MSW), classified as hazardous by European regulations, is often deposited in landfills due to its lack of usefulness. This research proposes its valorisation in geopolymers, combining it with mining to create a sustainable material with a high industrial waste content. Firstly, all the wastes involved were characterised, which allowed for the development of a high-quality geopolymer from mining residue activated with 5% NaOH. This material was enriched with up to 50% fly ash (in increasing percentages) with the aim of making it inert, retaining it in the geopolymer matrix, and observing its effect on the final material. The physical and mechanical properties of the geopolymers obtained were evaluated, demonstrating that they do not produce contaminating leachates. The results indicate the feasibility of developing a geopolymer with up to 20% fly ash, obtaining a building material comparable to traditional ceramics, suitable for commercialisation, with a lower environmental impact and in line with the principles of the circular economy. Keywords: geopolymers; potentially toxic elements; mining residue; energy source waste; circular economy mechanical analysis; sustainability; construction materials