Development of fly ash cenosphere‐based composite for thermal insulation application

Abstract Cenosphere‐based composite was developed with addition of clay and other additives, by dry processing route. The performance of cenosphere as high‐temperature insulating material was studied. Cenosphere stands unique among the constituents found in fly ash due to its hollow spherical structure. Cenosphere is utilized in numerous modern applications due to its unique properties such as lightness, high compressive strength, enhanced flow characteristics, less water absorption, chemical inertness, and good thermal resistance. Keeping cenosphere as major component, three different mix recipes for insulating brick were made. The recipes were blended and shaped by pressing, followed by drying and sintering at 1000°C. The prepared samples were analyzed for their physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. The surface and pore distribution are analyzed by scanning electron microscope. Results from the analysis shows that cenosphere can be used as high temperature insulating material.