Innovative Hematite-Incorporated Geopolymer Membrane from Coal Fly Ash through Direct Foaming Method

  • Rendy Muhamad Iqbal*
  • , Retno Agnestisia
  • , Deni Shidqi Khaerudini
  • , Elfrida Roulina Simanjuntak
  • , Hamzah Fansuri
  • , Muthia Elma
  • , Mohd Akmali Mokhter
  • , Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Fly ash generation is a continuously growing waste or by-product resulting from the combustion of coal, which is potentially to explore for membrane materials. The addition of hematite as an antifouling agent allows for the utilization of fly ash as a geopolymer-based membrane. The objective of this study is to create a hematite/geopolymer membrane utilizing type C fly ash by the direct foaming technique in order to enhance the porosity of the membrane. A homogeneous mixture was obtained by combining 65 grams of fly ash and 0.85 grams of Al(OH)3 with a base activator. Subsequently, 3 grams of hematite were added to the mixture. Subsequently, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was added as a foaming agent and gradually blended with different percentages of 0, 2, 4, and 6 weight percent (wt.%) into the paste mixture. The paste mixture was put into the mould and left to undergo the process of curing for a duration of 7 days. The fly ash was analysed using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and particle size analysis. Next, the membrane composite underwent characterization using XRD, FTIR, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Archimedes techniques. The findings indicated that the fly ash from Pulang Pisau's Power Plant was officially identified and categorized as type C class. The diffractogram revealed the presence of mullite, quartz, and hematite phases in the hematite/geopolymer membrane. This finding was further verified by the FTIR analysis, which detected molecular vibrations indicating the existence of the T-O-T (T= Si or Al) and O-H components of the geopolymer structure. The scanning electron microscope images reveal that the membrane surface exhibits a rough texture and contains a limited number of microcracks resulting from the direct foaming process. Additionally, the measurements of porosity indicate that the porosity of the membrane increases proportionally with increased concentrations of H2O2. This research demonstrates the potential of coal fly ash as a sustainable raw material for developing advanced membranes for wastewater treatment.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationComposite Materials - South East Asia-Japan Conference on Composite Materials, SEAJCCM 2024
EditorsNorhayani Othman, Lin Feng Ng, Pui San Khoo, R.A. Ilyas, Mohd Yazid Yahya
PublisherAssociation of American Publishers
Pages1-10
Number of pages10
ISBN (Print)9781644903629
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2025
EventSouth East Asia-Japan Conference on Composite Materials, SEAJCCM 2024 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Duration: 13 Aug 202415 Aug 2024

Publication series

NameMaterials Research Proceedings
Volume56
ISSN (Print)2474-3941
ISSN (Electronic)2474-395X

Conference

ConferenceSouth East Asia-Japan Conference on Composite Materials, SEAJCCM 2024
Country/TerritoryMalaysia
CityKuala Lumpur
Period13/08/2415/08/24

Keywords

  • Direct Foaming
  • Fly Ash
  • Geopolymer
  • Hematite
  • Inorganic Membrane

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