Microstructure and Chemical Variation in Class F Fly Ash Glass

Abstract

ABSTRACTFly ash consists of mixtures of crystalline substances in a glassy matrix. This matrix is itself inhomogeneous. The combustion process gives rise to compositional fluctuations typically on a micrometer scale; these fluctuations are preserved in the glass and are gradational. However, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy of Class F ash also reveals the existence of interfaces on a nanometer scale. These arise as a consequence of phase separation. Textures and interfaces typical of spinodal decomposition and possibility also suggestive of classical immiscibility have been observed. It is believed that the occurrence of phase separation resulting in nanometer-scale inhomogeneities will be a feature common to most Class F glasses. The consequences of this complex microstructure to reactivity are not as yet known, but some speculations are presented.