Advanced Journal of Chemistry, Section A
5.9(Q2)
CiteScore
31
h-index

Synthesis and Characterization of Nano-Palm Oil Fuel Ash and Nano-Fly Ash as Cementitious Fillers in High-Performance Engineering Cementitious Composites

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Shinta Marito Siregar 1
Fatimah Insani Harahap 2
Ridwanto Ridwanto 3
Khairiah Khairiah 1

1 Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Muslim Nusantara Al Washliyah, Jalan Garu II No. 93, Medan, Indonesia

2 Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Jalan Almamater Kampus USU, Medan, Indonesia

3 Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Muslim Nusantara Al Washliyah, Jalan Garu II No. 93, Medan, Indonesia

https://doi.org/10.48309/ajca.2026.554924.1955
Abstract
This study aims to enhance the pozzolanic reactivity and cementitious performance of palm oil fuel ash (POFA) and fly ash (FA) nanoparticles as eco-friendly supplementary materials in nanostructured engineered cementitious composites (ECC), thereby reducing industrial boiler waste and contributing to sustainable construction practices. POFA and FA were dried and ground into nanoparticles using a ball mill with replacement levels of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%. Characterization was performed using XRF, XRD, and FTIR, while physical tests included slump flow, density, and compressive strength. XRF confirmed the cementitious and pozzolanic properties of POFA and FA, with POFA containing over 50% SiO₂+Al₂O₃+Fe₂O₃ and FA exceeding 70%. XRD showed average crystal sizes of 28.02 nm (POFA) and 16.46 nm (FA) with amorphous phases of 71.78% and 91.93%, respectively. FTIR revealed dominant Si–O–Si and Si–OH groups, indicating high silica content and pozzolanic reactivity. The slump flow decreased with higher POFA and FA content due to water absorption but remained within the high-performance concrete range (500–800 mm). Density values decreased yet stayed between normal and lightweight concrete limits. The compressive strength increased with higher nanoparticle content, reaching 46.34–72.73 MPa at 28 days, confirming improved hydration and mechanical performance

Graphical Abstract

Synthesis and Characterization of Nano-Palm Oil Fuel Ash and Nano-Fly Ash as Cementitious Fillers in High-Performance Engineering Cementitious Composites

Keywords

Palm oil fuel ash (POFA)
Fly ash (FA)
Nanomortar
Engineered cementitious composites (ECC)
Pozzolanic reactivity
Environmental sustainability

Subjects

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Advanced Journal of Chemistry, Section A
Volume 9, Issue 6
June 2026
Pages 947-961

  • Receive Date 22 October 2025
  • Revise Date 06 November 2025
  • Accept Date 27 December 2025

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