Enhancing the reaction of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash in blast furnace slag-based alkali-activated blends

A novel strategy and underlying mechanism

Journal Article (2025)
Author(s)

B. Chen (TU Delft - Materials and Environment)

G YE (Universiteit Gent, TU Delft - Materials and Environment)

Research Group
Materials and Environment
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106056
More Info
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Publication Year
2025
Language
English
Research Group
Materials and Environment
Volume number
160
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Abstract

Compared with blast furnace slag (BFS), the less reactive MSWI bottom ash (MBA) plays a minor role in alkali-activated blends. This research optimized the use of MBA as a precursor by enhancing its contribution to strength and microstructure development. The proposed strategy combines pre-treatment with pre-activation processes, enabling MBA to react before BFS addition. The NaOH-based pre-treatment led to the oxidation of metallic aluminum and the partial dissolution of the amorphous phase in MBA. The subsequent pre-activation resulted in the generation of C-A-S-H gel, which promoted later-stage gel formation in the paste. The reacted bottom ash particles exhibited distinct features in alkali-activated pastes. Compared with 100 % slag-based system, blending slag with MBA accelerated the slag reaction at late ages and facilitated the formation of a more polymerized C-(N-)A-S-H gel. The compressive strength results indicate that MBA is a promising alternative to Class F coal fly ash in BFS-based alkali-activated blends.