Influence of Uncalcined Coal Gangue on the Microstructure and Properties of Magnesium Ammonium Phosphate Cement

Abstract

This paper proposes a new method of reusing uncalcined coal gangue (UCG) as a mineral admixture in magnesium ammonium phosphate cement (MAPC) blended with fly ash (FA). The effects of UCG on setting time, workability, hydration heat release, mechanical properties, hydration products, and microstructure of MAPC composites were systematically investigated. The results indicate that the addition of UCG decreased the maximum hydration temperature and extended the setting time of MAPC composites. The compressive strength of MAPC was improved by introducing an optimal amount of UCG. The XRD results showed no new crystal phase in UCG-0 (with 20% FA and 0% UCG) and some secondary hydration products, such as berlinite and lizardite, were observed in MAPC with UCG. The addition of UCG was found to inhibit the generation of dittmarite and promote the development of struvite. Results showed that differences in the crystal morphology of struvite and dittmarite influence the compressive strength of MAPC composites.