ENHANCING ENERGETIC EFFICIENCY: ADVANCING MORPHOLOGICAL AND THERMAL STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES OF FLY ASH AND CERAMIC-BASED MATERIALS

Abstract

Herein, we investigate structural and thermal characteristics of clay, fly ash, and their respective mixtures, with a particular focus on the influence of sintering. Employing a comprehensive suite of analytical techniques, including X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the inquiry seeks to elucidate the intricate alterations and transformations arising from the sintering process and the integration of fly ash. The calcination process applied to the raw materials resulted in the formation of diverse phases, including enstatite, spinel, anorthite, mullite, corundum, and cristobalite. Similarly, the fly ash/clay mixtures exhibited distinct phases, such as wollastonite, periclase, and cordierite, indicative of the structural changes induced by the sintering process. The application of SEM further provided insights into the morphological characteristics of the raw materials, revealing variations in shapes and sizes, thereby contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the compositional and structural modifications incurred during sintering. These phases guarantee thermal stability, ensuring the production of lightweight ceramics materials characterized by low thermal conductivities and high strength. These materials present themselves as promising candidates for applications in refractory settings.