Early age properties of alkali activated brown coal fly ash binders

The present study evaluates potential re-use options for two different types of brown coal fly ash (class C) sourced from Australia as feedstock for geopolymer binder systems. The study covers analysis of fundamental material and mix-design requirements for geopolymer binders as a basis to achieve durable brown coal ash geopolymer matrices. The study established that reference unblended 100% brown coal ash geopolymer mortar samples yielded low strength, typically below 5MPa and poor durability. However, appropriate blends of brown coal ash with selected black coal fly ash (class F) and blast furnace slag to achieve target Si/Al ratios significantly enhanced both setting characteristics, as well as early age compressive strength development (25-35MPa) while improving overall durability performance compared to reference mixes. Moreover, lagoon fly ash blended geopolymer shows better durability while dry precipitator fails to perform well. The discussion also focuses on key source material parameters and reaction processes that influence compressive strength and durability behaviour of marginal brown coal ash sources during geopolymerisation reactions.