Reinforcing Fiber-Cement Composites for Flooring with Fibers from Low-Grade Coal Fly Ash

Parinya Chakartnarodom; Sureerat Polsilapa; Wichit Prakaypan; Pitcharat Ineure; Nutthita Chuankrerkkul; Edward  A. Laitila; Nuntaporn Kongkajun

doi:10.53848/ssstj.v12i2.973

Authors

Parinya Chakartnarodom Kasetsart University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4873-7285
Sureerat Polsilapa Kasetsart University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2376-732X
Wichit Prakaypan Source Runner Enterprise Company Limited https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4904-1992
Pitcharat Ineure Glass Bridge Company Limited https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0179-2690
Nutthita Chuankrerkkul Chulalongkorn University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0327-3608
Edward A. Laitila Michigan Technological University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4868-9305
Nuntaporn Kongkajun Thammasat University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0856-5837

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53848/ssstj.v12i2.973

Keywords:

Mae Moh, Ash, Fiber, Composites, Building materials, Sustainability

Abstract

Low-grade coal fly ash (LGFA) is characterized as fly ash with a sulfur trioxide (SO₃) content exceeding 5%, according to the ASTM C618 standard. The fibers derived from this LGFA, combined with dolomite and basalt, served as the reinforcing phase in fiber-reinforced cement composite (FRCC) samples designed for flooring systems. These FRCC samples were manufactured using the filter pressing method and subjected to air curing for 7 and 28 days. Following the curing process, a three-point bend test was conducted to assess their modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE), an impact test was performed to measure their impact strength, and their bulk density was determined using Archimedes method.Low-grade coal fly ash (LGFA), as defined by ASTM C618, is fly ash with a sulfur trioxide (SO₃) content exceeding 5%. This LGFA can be used with dolomite and basalt to produce fibers for fiber-reinforced cement composite (FRCC) specifically designed for flooring systems replacing the more expensive PVA fibers. Specimens of the FRCC flooring were fabricated using the filter-pressing method and cured in air for 7 and 28 days. Following curing, the modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) were determined from three-point bend tests. The results demonstrated that both MOR and MOE of the FRCC specimens increased with longer curing durations. While statistical analysis revealed no significant correlation between LGFA fiber content and MOR, a positive linear relationship was observed between LGFA fiber content and the MOE, indicating an enhanced elastic modulus with greater LGFA fiber content. Both values meet or exceed the ASTM standard required for flooring boards while making use of a waste product at a lower manufacturing cost.

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