Thermal Performance of Alkali-Activated Materials Developed from Biomass Fly Ash and Coal Fly Ash

Chan, Jun Ru (2026) Thermal Performance of Alkali-Activated Materials Developed from Biomass Fly Ash and Coal Fly Ash. Final Year Project (Diploma), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

Text CHAN JUN RU_Full Text.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (1MB)

Abstract

This research investigates the thermal performance of alkali-activated materials (AAMs) developed from biomass fly ash and coal fly ash without the use of chemical activators, aiming to produce a self-binding binder. The fly ash-based AAMs were exposed at different temperatures and evaluated for their physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Results showed that compressive strength increased to 419.87 kPa at 200◦C due to further polycondensation but decreased at higher temperatures, indicating structural weakening. Visual observation revealed a colour change from grey to yellowish-beige after sintering at 1000◦C. FTIR analysis confirmed dehydration and network condensation at 200-400◦C, while gel weakening occurred above 600◦C, and recrystallization at 800-1000◦C led to strength loss. TGA analysis indicated a total weight loss of ∼25-27% up to 1000◦C, primarily from water release below 600◦C, minor carbonate decomposition at 600-900◦C, and stabilization above 900◦C due to crystalline phase formation. Overall, the findings demonstrate that AAMs derived from biomass and coal fly ash exhibit limited high-temperature stability but possess potential as sustainable binders at moderate thermal exposure