Characterization of Coal Fly Ash and Rice Husk Ash as Binders in Geopolymer with Material Microstructure Testing

Abstract:

Geopolymers offer a sustainable alternative to reduce reliance on Portland cement in construction. This study examines coal fly ash and rice husk ash as potential substitutes in geopolymer formulations. Microstructural tests, including chemical composition analysis (SNI 2049-3-2022), Density (SNI 1964-2008), FTIR, and SEM-EDS, were conducted to evaluate their properties. Chemical analysis showed that coal fly ash contains 90.55% silica (SiO₂) and less than 10% calcium oxide (CaO), categorizing it as Class F fly ash, while rice husk ash has 50.86% SiO₂ and 38.41% CaO, both comparable to cement. FTIR confirmed hydroxyl group presence through O-H stretching, while SEM-EDS revealed elements like silicon, aluminum, calcium, and metallic oxides, consistent with their surface morphology. The results demonstrate that coal fly ash and rice husk ash meet the pozzolanic element requirements necessary for geopolymer formation. Their chemical composition, supported by FTIR and SEM-EDS findings, highlights their potential as alternative cement substitutes in sustainable construction.

• Periodical: Construction Technologies and Architecture (Volume 18)
• Pages: 11-21
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-IimP7t
• Online since: June 2025
• Authors: Lissa Opirina, Teuku Budi Aulia*, Muttaqin Hasan, Sri Aprilia
• Keywords: Characterization, Coal Fly Ash, FTIR, Rice Husk Ash, SEM-EDS

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