Development of building materials based on a high content of fly ash and polycondensation products from Chinese heat and power plants

The addition of fly ash from thermal power plants (TPP) and chemical additives, such as polycondensation products of acetone and formaldehyde, is an effective and economical method for increasing the strength and durability of building materials, in particular concrete. Fly ash added to the concrete and mortars at 10%–15% does not reduce their technical properties, while polycondensation products of acetone and formaldehyde plasticize and accelerate the hardening process of concrete. The study aims to substantiate the possibility of obtaining concrete on dense aggregates with a high content of fly ash through the use of polycondensation products of acetone and formaldehyde as additives, which are highly soluble in water and polyfunctional. The strength indicators were determined using standard methods. The study has shown quantitative changes in the properties of the fly ash-concrete mixture, improvement of its physical and technical characteristics, and durability of the fly ash concrete with the addition of polycondensation products of acetone and formaldehyde. In the present study, the authors determine the effect of fly ash addition on the properties of a concrete mixture, as well as the maximum possible content of fly ash that can be added to concrete to maximize certain properties required of the mixture; additionally, the same action is conducted with the addition of polycondensation products of acetone and formaldehyde concomitant with the addition of fly ash.