TPC Ltd has successfully developed a Geo-polymer coarse aggregate from fly ash. The development will help in replacing natural aggregates reducing the impact on environment. The company’s research project on production of Geo-polymer coarse aggregate from fly ash has met the statutory parameters of Indian Standards – and has been confirmed by National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCCBM). The Geo-polymer coarse aggregates will be a replacement to natural aggregates. The development is NTPC’s R&D achievement in expanding the horizon in ash utilisation.
India’s demand for these aggregates touches close to 2000 million metric tons mark every year. The aggregate developed by NTPC from fly ash will help in meeting the demand to a great extent and also will reduce the impact on environment caused by Natural aggregates, which require quarrying of natural stone.
In India, every year, approximately 258 MMT of ash is produced by the coal-fired thermal power plants. Out of this around 78% of the ash is utilised and the balance remains unutilised, which remain in ash dykes. NTPC is exploring alternate ways to utilise the remaining ash that includes the current research project to generate aggregates using more than 90% ash.
The Geo-polymer aggregates find its extensive usage in construction industry turning the ash eco-friendly. These aggregates are extremely environment-friendly and do not require any cement for application in concrete where the fly ash based Geopolymer mortar acts as the binding agent.
