Chemical fixation of electroplating sludge and microstructural analysis of stabilised matrix using fly ash and cement

Stabilisation and microstructural examination of stabilised electroplating industrial sludge has been studied. Investigations were undertaken to formulate cementitous binder by judicious blending of fly ash, sludge and cement with five mix proportions. The major metallic contaminants were cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel and lead. The influence of the waste on the mechanical strength of the stabilised product and its microstructural studies using XRD, SEM and FTIR has been performed to interpret the results. The highest compressive strength of 14.96 N mm(-2) was achieved in the binder mix 85 : 5 : 15 (cement/flyash/sludge) for 28 day cure age. The experimental results have indicated that the partial replacement of cement with 15% sludge and 5% fly ash for cement mortar is both technically and environmentally feasible.