Coal Power Plant Fly Ash Characterization Assessment for Geopolymerization Process

Abstract

This paper presents the physical and chemical properties of fly ash obtained from two coal power plants; the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Power Plant in Kapar, Selangor and Sultan Azlan Shah Power Plant in Manjung, Perak. Moisture and radionuclide contents, and chemical composition in the fly ash were characterized. It was found that moisture content for Kapar and Manjung fly ash were at 0.41% and 0.11%, respectively. XRF result showed that Kapar fly ash sample is of class C due to the total percentage of SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3 being less than 70% while Manjung fly ash sample is of class F due to the total percentage of SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3 of more than 70%. Gamma spectrometry analysis indicated presence of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in the samples. These data can be used to establish a technical standpoint in supporting the development of radioactive waste immobilization technology using geopolymer material. This study is expected to benefit the nuclear fuel cycle specifically in conditioning of low-level radioactive waste produced in nuclear power plants.