Characterization and pozzolanic properties of calcined alum sludge

• The microstructure and pozzolanic properties of calcined alum sludge were investigated.
• Calcination of alum sludge greatly affect its microstructure and pozzolanic activity.
• Calcination of alum sludge at 800 °C is enough to improve its pozzolanic activity.

Microstructure and pozzolanic properties of water treatment sludge calcined for 3 h at 600–900 °C were investigated by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and TGA techniques and Chapelle test. Calcination of alum sludge was accompanied with sequence of chemical reactions including; dehydration of colloidal Al(OH)3, formation of Al2O3, and crystallization of amorphous silica. Calcination conditions greatly affect the microstructure and pozzolanic activity of calcined alum sludge. Under the hydration at high temperature of calcined alum sludge with lime, boehmite (AlOOH), and amorphous silica react with lime forming amorphous calcium aluminate hydrates and calcium silicate hydrates. The amount and density of hydrates increased with calcination temperature up to 800 °C then decreased after that. Calcination of alum sludge at 800 °C is enough to improve its pozzolanic properties.

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