Converting Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Fly Ash and Municipal Sludge into Environmentally Compatible Alkali-Activated Material

Zengqing Sun, Xiaoyu Li, Min Gan, Zhiyun Ji, Xiaohui Fan and Jinxin Xing ()
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Zengqing Sun: School of Minerals Processing & Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Xiaoyu Li: School of Minerals Processing & Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Min Gan: School of Minerals Processing & Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Zhiyun Ji: School of Minerals Processing & Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Xiaohui Fan: School of Minerals Processing & Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Jinxin Xing: School of Minerals Processing & Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 18, 1-21

Abstract: The production of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWI-FA) and municipal sludge (MS) has been increasing annually, raising concerns about proper disposal. In this study, a thermal treatment method with attributes of energy efficiency and complete detoxification was applied to synergistically convert MSWI-FA and MS into precursors for the synthesis of high-strength alkali-activated materials (AAMs). The impact of mass ratios of MSWI-FA and MS on the mineralogy, microstructure, and reactivity of obtained precursors were investigated. The mechanism of alkali activation was deeply studied by characterizing the evolution of reaction products. The strength development of synthesized AAMs was characterized in a one-year time scale, as well as the environmental compatibility. The results revealed that strength, with values ranging from 12.8–33.0 MPa at 3 d, 29.5–44.1 MPa at 28 d and 39.3–54.8 MPa at 365 d. Furthermore, after one year of curing, the release of Ni, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, and Ba from synthesized AAMs into both deionized water and acetic acid were far below the regulatory limits in China. All these contribute to promoting the safe disposal and effective valorization of MSWI-FA and MS.

Keywords: MSWI fly ash; municipal sludge; alkali-activated materials; compressive strength; leaching toxicity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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