The Effects of Pyrite Ash on the Compressive Strength Properties of Briquettes

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the utilization of Pyrite Ash (PA) in the production of briquettes as a replacement of clay or soil. To achieve this, first, the characterization of the materials used (clayey soil and pyrite ash) was made using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR/ATR). Particle size distribution and microstructure elemental analyses of these materials were also obtained using a particle size analyzer (Mastersizer) and a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Following the characterization of the materials, the samples of briquettes made with or without addition of PA were prepared and sintered at 950 and 1000A degrees C in the furnace. The PA replacement ratios with clayey soil were 0, 5, 10, 20% in mass basis (w/w). Compressive strength and bulk densities of briquettes produced were measured and the results were presented. Compressive strength results of the briquette samples indicated that pyrite ash containing briquettes with 35 MPa compressive strength, which was higher than the requirements of Turkish Standard Specification (TS EN 771-1), can be obtained. It is also recorded that for each mixture, compressive strength values obtained at 1000A degrees C were higher than that of obtained at 950A degrees C. XRD analyze was performed on sintered briquette sample made with 10% PA which have the highest compressive strength value. The XRD results showed that peaks are Quartz (SiO2), Hematite (Fe2O3), Ortoclase (KAlSi3O8), Albite (Na(AlSi3O8)), Anorthite (CaAl2Si2O8) and Gehlenite (2CaO.Al2O3.SiO2).