Microscopic chemical characterization and reactivity in cementing systems of elephant grass leaf ashes

[EN] Many agrowastes are being used for energy production by combustion in power plants. This process generates huge amounts of ash, which has a potential pozzolanic activity for blending with Portland cement or hydrated lime. In this paper, the ash obtained from elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Rosello Caselles, Josefa|||0000-0003-2642-4285, Soriano Martinez, Lourdes|||0000-0002-5749-4609, Borrachero Rosado, María Victoria|||0000-0002-7873-0658, Santamarina Siurana, M. Pilar|||0000-0002-2461-9794, Paya Bernabeu, Jorge Juan|||0000-0001-7425-5311, Savastano, H.
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2018
País:España
Institución:Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV)
Repositorio:RiuNet. Repositorio Institucional de la Universitat Politécnica de Valéncia
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:riunet.upv.es:10251/125664
Acceso en línea:https://riunet.upv.es/handle/10251/125664
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Phytolith
Pozzolan
Reactivity
Silica
Spodogram
Electron Microscopy Service of the UPV
BOTANICA
INGENIERIA DE LA CONSTRUCCION
Descripción
Sumario:[EN] Many agrowastes are being used for energy production by combustion in power plants. This process generates huge amounts of ash, which has a potential pozzolanic activity for blending with Portland cement or hydrated lime. In this paper, the ash obtained from elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum var. purple) leaves (EGLs) was studied, including the silicon content and its distribution, the presence of other compounds, and in addition, the presence of silica bodies (phytoliths). Combustion temperatures of 450 and 650°C produced an unaltered inorganic skeleton (spodogram), whereas at 850°C, there is a sintering process because of high potassium content in the ash. Phytoliths and different types of hairs were identified, and they contained high percentages of silica. Magnesium (mainly as periclase) was distributed in the most porous parts in the interior of the leaves. The silica can react with calcium hydroxide (pozzolanic reaction) forming calcium silicate hydrates (observed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis). Fixed lime percentages at 28 curing days (63%) indicated the high reactivity of EGL ashes in calcium hydroxide pastes due to the pozzolanic reaction. This study demonstrates the possibility of the reuse of ashes from EGLs for the production of environmental-friendly cements.