Moisture Damage Resistance of Grave Emulsion Manufactured with Waste Biomass Fly Ashes

Purpose Biomass combustion is an economic and environmentally friendly source of energy with a growing demand. Nevertheless, the environmental management of fly ashes generated during energy production must be improved. In this regard, this study analyses the feasibility of using biomass fly ashes from the paper industry (BioFAPI) as filler in cold asphalt mixture (type grave emulsion GE1). Materials and Methods The chemical and mineralogical composition of BioFAPI samples were analysed by means of X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. A qualitative evaluation of their morphology was performed using a scanning electron microscope. In addition, the grain-size distribution was obtained by means of light-scattering analysis techniques. Finally, immersion-compression tests were conducted in order to analyse the stripping potential of the grave emulsion manufactured using BioFAPI as filler. These results were compared with those of a control mixture. Results In this case, the use of BioFAPI as filler led to mixtures with adequate moisture damage resistance. Also, the compression strength of the mixture containing BioFAPI was higher than that of the control mixture. Conclusions Thus, BioFAPI could be successfully used as filler for grave emulsion. It is a new eco-friendly way to promote the sustainable management of fly ashes from biomass combustion. Graphic Abstract