Behaviour of polyaminophenolic additives in the granulation of lime and fly-ash

Room temperature granulation of fly-ash generated from incineration of municipal solid wastes (MSW) was achieved by mixing the ash with lime, water and three polyaminophenolic additives in a rotating drum. The presence of the additives favours the carbonation of lime, thus accelerating and enhancing the development of short-term compressive strength of the granules; this ensures there is no need to cure the pastes in CO2-enriched or heated atmospheres. After curing in air for 30, 45, 60 and 90 days, the granules were evaluated by unconfined compressive strength tests. The strengths achieved shortly after granulation allow safe transportation and storage of the granules and are similar to the strengths of the light granulates used for building purposes.