Fly Ash from Lignite Combustion as a Filler for Rubber Mixes. Part I: Physical Valorization of Fly Ash

Abstract

The potential use of fly ash (FA) originating from lignite combustion at the Belchatow Power Plant

(Poland) as filler for rubber mixes was evaluated. Samples of fly ash collected from heaps created in different

years were compared according to their chemical and phase composition, particle size distribution, and

morphology. The sieve fractionation of fly ash results in size fractions of different chemical structures, phase

compositions, and morphologies, reflected in changes to their specific surface area, surface energy, and activity

in rubber mixes. Fractionation turned out to be more effective than grinding from the point of view of using ash

as a filler for rubber mixes, because it results in higher specific surface area (SSA) and chemical composition

differentiation.