Evaluating the utilization of municipal solid waste incineration ash in enhancing ceramsite aerated concrete blocks

Abstract

In an effort to forge a new pathway for the resourceful utilization of municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration ash, thereby transforming waste into treasure and detriment into benefit, this study investigates the impact of incineration ash on the fundamental properties of expanded clay aggregate aerated concrete blocks. Granular ash and powdered ash were separated from MSW incineration ash. These were then used as replacements for pottery sand and fly ash, respectively, in the production of ceramsite aerated concrete blocks. Replacement ratios were set at 0 %, 10 %, 20 %, 30 %, 40 %, and 50 % of the dry mass proportion. An experimental study was conducted on the product performance indicators of grade CA50.B07 ceramsite aerated concrete blocks at 28 days, including dry density, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were employed to analyze the micro-material composition and pore structure. The results show that when the replacement rate of granular ash to sand is 20 %, and the replacement rate of powdered ash to fly ash is 10 %, the produced aerated concrete blocks exhibit optimal technical performance while meeting product quality standards. This successfully demonstrates the resource utilization potential of municipal solid waste incineration residues.