Utilization of Flue Gas Desulfurization Ash in Sustainable Materials
Summary
Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) ash is an abundant by-product of sulphur dioxide removal in large-scale combustion systems. Composed primarily of calcium sulfite, calcium sulfate and variable trace oxides, this material has emerged as a valuable secondary resource in low-carbon construction and material technologies. Its use as a supplementary cementitious material in blended cements and alkali-activated binders reduces clinker demand and embodied CO₂, while its inherent sulphate content promotes the formation of ettringite and calcium silicate hydrate phases that impart early and long-term strength. Beyond cementitious systems, FGD ash has been incorporated into ceramics, lightweight aggregates and polymer composites, offering tailored porosity, improved thermal stability and sorptive functionality. Key challenges include phase instability due to unoxidised calcium sulfite, variable particle morphology and potential heavy-metal leaching. Recent strategies to overcome these issues involve controlled thermal or chemical activation, integration with complementary industrial wastes such as blast furnace slag, and microstructural engineering to stabilise reactive phases. These advances underscore the global potential of FGD ash to contribute to circular-economy objectives and sustainable infrastructure.
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Technical terms
Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) ash: Solid residue rich in calcium sulfite and sulfate produced during SO₂ removal from combustion gases.
Gelling material: Cementitious binder formed through chemical reactions of industrial by-products to generate hydration products that impart strength.
Calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H): Principal binding phase in cementitious systems, characterised by a layered, amorphous structure that develops strength and durability.
Ettringite: Hydration product consisting of calcium, aluminium and sulfate that forms needle-like crystals, contributing to early strength and dimensional stability in sulphate-rich binders.
References
- Oxidation Study and Mechanism Analysis of Desulfurization Ash in Dense-Phase Tower. Processes (2024).
- Hydration Mechanism of Solid Waste Gelling Materials Containing Semi-Dry Desulfurization Ash. Gels (2025).
- Characterisation Of FGD Sludge From One of Glass Industrial in Malaysia and Their Potential as Ceramic Mould. Journal of Physics Conference Series (2021).
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