Relation between silico-aluminous fly ash and its coal of origin

Fly ashes are typical complex solids which incorporate at the same time intrinsic properties derived from the layers (various mineralogical and dimensional spectra) and major transformations generated during prior processing. To use fly ashes in various applications, it is necessary to characterise them completely. The first research to date carried out on silico-aluminous fly ashes in order to characterise them physically, morphologically, chemically and mineralogically, resulted in the recognition that they are relatively simple materials. In the present study, a silico-aluminous fly ash coming from the power station of Albi (France) was selected. Heat treatment at 450 and 1200 °C together with coal simulated the treatment undergone by coal in the power station in order to mimic real coal residue. In conclusion, the diversity of the particles contained in fly ash could only be explained by the relation existing between the fly ash and its coal of origin.