Effect of Particle Loading, Temperature and Surface Treatment on Moisture Absorption of CFB Fly Ash Reinforced Thermoset Composite

Abstract

Abstract-Coal combustion is widely used in the Philippines and is a major contributor to power generation due to its low cost; however, it produces wastes such as emissions and fly ash (FA). Traditional fuel combustion uses pulverized coal (PC) boilers while modern technology involves the use of circulated fluidized bed (CFB) boilers which produce less emissions and are more efficient. However, the fly ash produced from CFB combustion has limited application to the construction industry as opposed to PC FA which is used as an additive to the cement industry. In this study, CFB FA is used as filler and the matrix is orthophthalic unsaturated polyester resin. Moisture absorption study is conducted on the composite by immersing in water and constant weighing of samples at specified time intervals. Percent weight gain is reported. Particle loading and sorption temperatures are varied and their effects are observed. With the increase in particle loading, absorbed moisture increases while diffusivity decreases. Increase in temperature leads to an increase in moisture absorption and diffusivity. The CFB FA is also treated using coconut oil which is composed of saturated fatty acids (majority of which is lauric oil). Coconut oil serves as a non-coupling type surface modifier. Untreated and treated fly ash samples are characterized by X-Ray Flourescence (XRF), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The effect of treatment to composite moisture absorption at 80oC (different particle loading) is observed and it is found to decrease moisture absorption.Index Terms-CFB fly ash, moisture absorption, particle filled composite, polyester composite. I. INTRODUCTIONCombustion of solid fuels is one of the most widely used source of energy. Worldwide, coal is a sought-after energy source. It is often the cheapest fuel option and has a large reserve. Philippines is a coal consuming country, having coal as one of the major contributors to power generation [1]. Energy consumption and generation in the Philippines is increasing and with this power generation from coal will also increase. This will continue to increase as the government promotes clean coal technology, production of coal and establishment of ASEAN Coal Supply Security Agreement. The increase in production of coal is targeted to displace and decrease oil use [2].With environmental awareness and restrictions, cleaner and more efficient burning of fuel is now available thru the Manuscript received April 15, 2014; revised June 25, 2014. This work was supported by the Philippine Department of Science and TechnologyEngineering and Research Development for Technology.Sakura E. Onishi is with the University of the Philippines-Diliman, Philippine (e-mail: sakura.onishi@gmail.com).clean coal technology, wherein circulating fluidized bed (CFB) are used. Circulating fluidized bed combustion (CFBC) boiler can utilise all grades of coal and lignites in an efficient and environmentally clean way (lower emissions) [3].Combustion of solid f...

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