The decline of coal-fired power plants has sparked concerns about the dwindling supply of fly ash, a crucial component in producing environmentally friendly cement. However, companies like Eco Material Technologies are pioneering innovative solutions to unlock the vast potential of this underutilized resource, Jonathan Kozlowski writes for ForConstructionPros.com. By re-engineering fly ash with cutting-edge engineering, they aim to not only bolster its availability but also elevate its quality for widespread use in construction projects.
Eco Material Technologies (EMT), formed through a merger of Boral’s U.S. assets and Green Cement, stands at the forefront of this transformative endeavor. Grant Quasha, CEO of EMT, envisions a future where fly ash becomes a primary ingredient in cement, replacing a significant portion of traditional cement content. This ambitious goal requires not only increasing the supply of fly ash but also enhancing its performance to meet industry standards.
Traditionally, EMT focused on sourcing fly ash from coal-fired utilities. However, with plant retirements affecting supply, the company has pivoted towards harvesting waste ash previously discarded in landfills. Through proprietary technologies like the ES EcoSystem Efficient Carbon Offloading, EMT can transform this material into high-quality SCM suitable for concrete production.
The key to improving fly ash lies in both mechanical and chemical enhancements. EMT employs specialized milling techniques to optimize particle size, ensuring optimal reactivity without compromising water demand. Additionally, tailored chemical treatments further enhance performance, allowing for higher replacement rates in concrete formulations.