Chemical, mineralogical and morphological characterization of fly ash for sustainable construction in Eastern Morocco
摘要
Local pollution remains a significant challenge for developing countries. Mining waste, such as coal fly ash (FA) from rural thermal power plants, risks soil and air contamination through toxic contaminants such as heavy metals, sulfates compounds, and polyphenolic compounds. The cement industry is also a major pollutant in Jerada province. This study analyzes the chemical, mineralogical, and morphological properties of FA, cement, and sand to explore the potential of FA as a sustainable supplementary cementitious material in Eastern Morocco. X-ray fluorescence (XRF), SEM/EDS, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were utilized to examine the elemental and crystalline structures, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provided insights into the microstructural features. Results from characterization techniques indicate the calcareous nature of FA (Class C), with substantial amounts of CaO, SiO2, and Fe2O3. The tests revealed that calcium is a dominant component in sand and cement, which is crucial for developing cementitious minerals. These findings suggest that FA could significantly contribute to sustainable construction practices in the region.