Influence of Fly-Ash Reaction on the Performance of Coal-Derived Char Bricks

Abstract

Studies have been conducted to expand the application of coal and coal by-products to building materials and other commodities. Researchers have presented the development of char brick from coal and coal by-products, but the methodology presented is time consuming, expensive, and not feasible. This study presents the development of char bricks from coal-derived pyrolyzed char and fly ash (FA) using the traditional mixing method, which is effective, economical, and less time consuming. This work considered different curing conditions to understand the mechanism of interaction of the char with the FA. The properties of the char brick are quantified using different methods such as X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity. The outcome of this study shows that the compressive strength of char brick exceeds the minimum 14 MPa for buildings with the addition of FA, a higher thermal insulation to improve the building energy efficiency, and a lower bulk density to reduce overall building loads and construction costs.