The role of water-treated municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash in microstructure formation and strength development of blended cement pastes

This research explored the microstructure formation and strength development of blended cement pastes prepared with municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash. A new sample preparation approach involving water treatment of MSWI bottom ash was developed to prevent sample cracking caused by the presence of metallic aluminum (Al) in bottom ash. The result showed that ions released during water treatment of MSWI bottom ash delayed cement hydration but promoted ettringite formation in blended cement pastes during the first day. Due to water treatment, the compressive strength of MSWI bottom ash blended cement paste increased to a level similar to that of Class F coal fly blended cement paste after 28 days. Blending water-treated MSWI bottom ash (WMBA) with cement promoted clinker hydration at later stages. The reaction products of WMBA in blended cement system were C-S-H gel and sodicgedrite, which contributed to strength development by filling the capillary pores.