CHN Energy Science and Technology Research Institute (CESTRI) and CHN Energy’s Anqing Power Plant have established a demonstration base in China for converting coal-based solid waste into construction materials.
The 6200m2 facility combines raw-material storage, preparation, testing and engineering validation. Its principal technology converts Grade II fly ash into a cement-free geopolymer binder, with fly ash accounting for 50-70 per cent of the material.
CESTRI claims the binder can reduce carbon emissions by approximately 80 per cent compared with conventional Portland cement while costing 10-30 per cent less than comparable cement products. The resulting concrete can be produced in strength classes ranging from C15 to C50.
Fly ash-based geopolymer concrete developed through the project has already been used in roads, precast products and paving blocks. According to CESTRI, third-party testing found that the products complied with relevant Chinese standards.
The institute has submitted more than 10 related invention-patent applications, while two group standards have been approved for development. Further research at the base will cover stabilised soil, ecological backfilling and thermal-energy storage materials.
