Rapid sintering of weathered municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash and rice husk for lightweight aggregate manufacturing and product properties

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Publication Highlights

1. The study successfully demonstrated the production of lightweight aggregates from a specific fraction of Waste Incineration Bottom Ash (WIBA) larger than 8 mm, using rapid sintering to revalorize vitreous-rich WIBA.
2. Addition of RH as a bloating agent influenced the porosity and apparent particle density of sintered Lightweight Aggregates (LWA). Small amounts caused bloating, while excess RH led to shrinking and denser aggregates.
3. Physical properties of the LWA were directly tied to porosity, controllable by adjusting RH amounts. Compressive strength and water absorption were comparable to or better than commercial LWAs, enhancing their usability.
4. The addition of RH emerged as a promising method for regulating LWA porosity, offering tailored properties for various applications.
5. Utilizing weathered Incineration Bottom Ash (IBA) larger than 8 mm with lower pollutant concentrations was highlighted, reducing the polluting potential and enhancing waterproofing, thereby decreasing water permeability and pollutant release.

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