THE EFFECT OF THERMAL POWER PLANT FLY ASH IN GRANITE BODY ON MICROSTRUCTURE AND TECHNICAL PROPERTIES

Abstract

In this study 2-5-10 wt.% thermal power plant ash was added to the granite body replace feldspar to use environmental waste in the ceramic body and to reduce production costs.  Loss on inginitions, fired bending strengths, dry strength, fired shrinkages, water absorbtion and colorimeter degrees were measured. Microstructure was determined by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer (Edx) and x-ray diffractometer (XRD) measurements. After sintering, it was determined that 2 wt.%  fly ash can be used in granite body. In sintered body, according to XRD phase analysis, amount of free quartz and mullite decreased and albite formation was observed. While the fired strength value is 399 kg/cm2 in standard body, it is 315 kg/cm2 in 2 wt.% fly ash added body. In the experiment with 2 wt.% ash additive, according to SEM images, the number and volume of large pores increased while small pores decreased. The ability of pressing of the sample with 10wt.% ash additive was negatively affected due to the excess amount of fine ash and so occure lamination and bloating.