Fly Ash Collected from Electrostatic Precipitators: Microcrystalline Structures and the Mystery of the Spheres

7 May 1976

journal article
other
Published by American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Science

Vol. 192 (4239) , 553-555
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.192.4239.553

Abstract

Scanning electron micrographs demonstrate the presence of microcrystalline structures on the surface of coal-derived fly ash samples taken from electrostatic precipitator hoppers. Cenospheres (hollow spheres) were found to be packed with smaller cenospheres, which were also packed with spheres. Microspheres, apparently formed by uneven heating, are encapsulated in the parent sphere. Chemical analyses provide a basis for the postulation of a mechanism of formation for plerospheres (hollow spheres packed with spheres) and microcrystals.

Keywords

This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit:

Surface Predominance of Trace Elements in Airborne Particles
Science, 1976
Trace element behavior in coal-fired power plant
Environmental Science & Technology, 1975
Toxic Trace Elements: Preferential Concentration in Respirable Particles
Science, 1974