Pozzolanic Performance Resemblance of Milled Sugarcane Biomass Ash Using Different Pozzolanicity Test Methods

The improved pozzolanic efficiency of sugarcane biomass ash (SCBA) after selective milling is presented. The samples were prepared by milling the as-received SCBA in a vibrating cup mill for four different durations ranging between 30 s and 15 min. The SCBA was first analysed using physical (particle size distribution, specific gravity, bulk density, soundness, setting time and lime reactivity), chemical (X-ray fluorescence), mineralogical (X-ray diffraction) and morphological characterisation (scanning electron microscopy). In addition, the thermal stability of the as-received SCBA was checked to investigate its effect on the mineralogical phases. The samples were then tested for pozzolanicity using the strength activity index, drop in electrical conductivity, Chapelle activity and the amount of reactive silica. The relation between milling durations and the pozzolanicity was established using the analysis of variance technique. The linear model was found to be more significant and reliable as per the statistical regression analysis.