Author(s):
Varsha Parmar, Prabha Padmakaran, Mohd. Akram Khan

Abstract:
Mechanical Activation of calcium sulphate enriched petroleum coke fly ash (PCFA) generated from circulation fluidized bed combustion (CFBC) boiler was investigated to improve the surface reactivity of PCFA. The physico- chemical, mineralogical (XRD), morphological (SEM) characteristics of PCFA, activated PCFA and developed green pellets were studied in detail. It was found that the milling time of 45 minutes is efficient for the activation of PCFA and results in fragmentation of coarse particle into fine porous particles. Mechanical activation results in enhancing physical properties and reactivity of PCFA without any further chemical treatment. The mean particle size of activated PCFA with 45 min milling time was 12.51-12.60 μm and the porous morphology were seen through SEM. The hydration phases like ettringite, portlandite and calcium silicate hydrate mainly contribute to the development of mechanical strength in activated PCFA pellets which were also confirmed through morphology of needle-shaped crystallites. The study recommends that mechanically activated PCFA could be used as an adsorbent material for heavy metals removal from waste waters.

Pages: 36-42

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