go to top scroll for more

Projects

Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number NE/K015680/1
Title Bulk Use of Biomass and Co-fired Ash in Novel Binders
Status Completed
Energy Categories Renewable Energy Sources(Bio-Energy, Other bio-energy) 100%;
Research Types Basic and strategic applied research 100%
Science and Technology Fields PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Metallurgy and Materials) 50%;
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 25%;
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Architecture and the Built Environment) 25%;
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation Not Cross-cutting 75%;
Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Environmental dimensions) 25%;
Principal Investigator Dr A Heath
No email address given
Architecture and Civil Engineering
University of Bath
Award Type Standard
Funding Source NERC
Start Date 22 April 2013
End Date 21 October 2013
Duration 6 months
Total Grant Value £70,553
Industrial Sectors
Region South West
Programme
 
Investigators Principal Investigator Dr A Heath , Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Bath (99.995%)
  Other Investigator Dr MC McManus , Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath (0.001%)
Professor J Provis , Engineering Materials, University of Sheffield (0.001%)
Dr H Kinoshita , Engineering Materials, University of Sheffield (0.001%)
Dr KA Paine , Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Bath (0.001%)
Dr RJ Ball , Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Bath (0.001%)
Web Site
Objectives
Abstract This research project will investigate biomass and other renewable ash (including ash from paper recycling waste) in high volume construction applications. These ashes are currently only available in very limited quantities but are predicted to increase substantially over the next 20 years. As the UK moves from coal towards biomass and co-firing in many power stations, there will be an increase in biomass ash which is not suitable for use with Portland cement, the largest current use of coal fly ash. Unless a use for this new ash is found, the UK will develop an increasing waste problem. It is important that this research is undertaken now, before the waste problem develops.Geopolymers are a promising alternative to Portland cement based concretes because of the very low embodied CO2 compared with Portland cement, the ability to use both geologically abundant minerals and wastes in their formulation, and the low capital outlay required for production. Commercial activities in the UK are just starting with only one company actively marketing geopolymer construction products. Most current geopolymers are based on industrial by-products such as fly ash from coal power stations and slags from steel manufacture, and these require mixing with high energy alkali activators before use. Biomass ash is high in natural alkalis and by using these natural alkalis along with the other natural properties of the ashes, it should be possible to produce concretes with much lower environmental impact than that of Portland cement concrete or existing geopolymer concretes with comparable performance. It will also will reduce material going to landfill in the UK, and help the UK in meeting climate change targets
Data

No related datasets

Projects

No related projects

Publications

No related publications

Added to Database 11/11/14