Task 6.4 -- The use of coal ash in ceramics. Semi-annual report, January 1--June 30, 1995

Previous empirical tests at the Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) have indicated that coal combustion by-products are a viable starting material for the production of a variety of ceramic products, including brick, tile, and high-flexural-strength ceramics. The EERC has focused on high-temperature properties of coal ash and has provided valuable insight into ash transformation, fouling, and slagging for the utility industry. It is proposed to utilize the information generated in these past projects to develop material selection criteria and product manufacturing techniques based on scientific and engineering characteristics of the ash. Commercialization of the use of coal combustion by-products in ceramics is more likely to become viable if a quality-assured product can be made, and predictive materials selection is a key component of a quality-assured product. The objective of this task is to demonstrate the development and production of a ceramic material using coal ash as a key component. Chemical and high-temperature properties of ash will be carefully determined, with the objective of identifying criteria for materials selection and manufacturing options for ceramic production