Bulk Use of Biomass and Co-fired Ash in Novel Binders

Completed

Renewable Energy Sources(Bio-Energy, Other bio-energy)

Basic and strategic applied research

PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Metallurgy and Materials)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Architecture and the Built Environment)

Not Cross-cutting
Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Environmental dimensions)

Dr A Heath
Architecture and Civil Engineering
University of Bath

Standard

NERC

22 April 2013

21 October 2013

6 months

£70,553

South West

Dr A Heath, Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Bath

Dr RJ Ball, Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Bath
Dr H Kinoshita, Engineering Materials, University of Sheffield
Dr MC McManus, Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath
Dr KA Paine, Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Bath
Professor J Provis, Engineering Materials, University of Sheffield

This research project will investigate biomass and other renewable ash (including ash from paper recycling waste) in high volume construction applications. These ashes are currently only available in very limited quantities but are predicted to increase substantially over the next 20 years. As the UK moves from coal towards biomass and co-firing in many power stations, there will be an increase in biomass ash which is not suitable for use with Portland cement, the largest current use of coal fly ash. Unless a use for this new ash is found, the UK will develop an increasing waste problem. It is important that this research is undertaken now, before the waste problem develops.Geopolymers are a promising alternative to Portland cement based concretes because of the very low embodied CO2 compared with Portland cement, the ability to use both geologically abundant minerals and wastes in their formulation, and the low capital outlay required for production. Commercial activities in the UK are just starting with only one company actively marketing geopolymer construction products. Most current geopolymers are based on industrial by-products such as fly ash from coal power stations and slags from steel manufacture, and these require mixing with high energy alkali activators before use. Biomass ash is high in natural alkalis and by using these natural alkalis along with the other natural properties of the ashes, it should be possible to produce concretes with much lower environmental impact than that of Portland cement concrete or existing geopolymer concretes with comparable performance. It will also will reduce material going to landfill in the UK, and help the UK in meeting climate change targets

11/11/14