Synthesis of the sodalite by geopolymerization process using coal fly ash

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of alkali activation process conditions on the amount and types of zeolites in the resultant geopolymers. The products were formed during the alkaline activation of coal fly ash with the use of aluminium and sodium hydroxide solution. Geopolymers were cured at 80ºC for 24 h. The effects of reaction systems’ constitution (expressed as SiO2/Al2O3 and Al2O3/Na2O molar ratios) on the phase composition and structure of obtained products were determined. The results indicated that the products obtained from such hydrothermal treatment demonstrated the characteristics of zeolite-like materials – sodalite. By using the appropriate composition of the initial solution (sufficiently high concentration of NaOH and aluminum carrier), it is possible to synthesize the sodalite phase efficiently in an amorphous matrix.