Synthesis of inorganic polymers using fly ash and primary lead slag

► Inorganic polymers were made from 100% fly ash, 100% lead slag and mixtures of the two. ► Minerals dissolved and a new amorphous binding phase formed. ► The binding phase is rich in Si, Fe, Na and Pb and can reach >50 wt.% in PbO. ► For 70:30 slag:fly ash inorganic polymers 19% water absorption 47 MPa compressive strength. ► Leaching is pH dependant with Pb decreasing and Zn, As increasing in inorganic polymers.