Effect of Different Gypsum Particle Morphologies on the Properties of Lightweight Polyethylene/Fly Ash/Gypsum Composite

Demrenur Özçatal; Mustafa Serhat Başpınar

doi:10.64808/engineeringperspective.1840988

Effect of Different Gypsum Particle Morphologies on the Properties of Lightweight Polyethylene/Fly Ash/Gypsum Composite

Abstract

In recent years, the development of sustainable materials from industrial mineral wastes or by-products have gained importance to achieve carbon neutrality. Among these industrial wastes, fly ash (FA) and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum are two significant by-products generated in large quantities by coal-fired thermal power stations, and their valorization has become a critical research topic. This study focuses on the development of composite materials using fly ash and FGD gypsum in combination, with low-density polyethylene (PE) as the binder. In addition, borogypsum (BG), which has a higher particle aspect ratio than FGD gypsum, was also used instead of FGD gypsum, and changes in the composite properties were evaluated. With the addition of borogypsum, 32.8% higher strength values were obtained compared to the series containing FGD gypsum. The results indicate that composite structures incorporating both phases yield a more balanced microstructure and enhanced mechanical performance compared to those in which UK, FGD, or BG is used individually. Additionally, SEM images illustrate the elongation and breakage of the PE binder matrix during fracture, confirming its dominant role in strength development. It was concluded that particle morphologies and loose particle density of the different gypsum filler materials in lightweight Polyethylene/Fly Ash/Gypsum composites are important factors. It should also be noted that the particle size distributions of two different gypsums were also effective in determining the physical-mechanical properties.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Afyon Kocatepe University Scientific Research Projects Commission

Project Number

24.FEN.BİL.21.

Ethical Statement

This study does not involve any human or animal subjects and therefore does not require ethical approval.

Thanks

The authors would like to thank Afyon Kocatepe University Scientific Research Projects Commission for their support.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Environmental and Sustainable Processes, Materials Science and Technologies, Polymer Science and Technologies, Composite and Hybrid Materials, Material Characterization

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Demrenur Özçatal ^*
Türkiye

Mustafa Serhat Başpınar
0000-0003-2086-1935
Türkiye

Publication Date

February 24, 2026

Submission Date

December 12, 2025

Acceptance Date

February 20, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 6 Number: 1

DOI

https://doi.org/10.64808/engineeringperspective.1840988

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA54AS25RX

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Özçatal, D., & Başpınar, M. S. (2026). Effect of Different Gypsum Particle Morphologies on the Properties of Lightweight Polyethylene/Fly Ash/Gypsum Composite. Engineering Perspective, 6(1), 114-121. https://doi.org/10.64808/engineeringperspective.1840988

AMA

1.Özçatal D, Başpınar MS. Effect of Different Gypsum Particle Morphologies on the Properties of Lightweight Polyethylene/Fly Ash/Gypsum Composite. engineeringperspective. 2026;6(1):114-121. doi:10.64808/engineeringperspective.1840988

Chicago

Özçatal, Demrenur, and Mustafa Serhat Başpınar. 2026. “Effect of Different Gypsum Particle Morphologies on the Properties of Lightweight Polyethylene Fly Ash Gypsum Composite”. Engineering Perspective 6 (1): 114-21. https://doi.org/10.64808/engineeringperspective.1840988.

EndNote

Özçatal D, Başpınar MS (February 1, 2026) Effect of Different Gypsum Particle Morphologies on the Properties of Lightweight Polyethylene/Fly Ash/Gypsum Composite. Engineering Perspective 6 1 114–121.

IEEE

[1]D. Özçatal and M. S. Başpınar, “Effect of Different Gypsum Particle Morphologies on the Properties of Lightweight Polyethylene/Fly Ash/Gypsum Composite”, engineeringperspective, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 114–121, Feb. 2026, doi: 10.64808/engineeringperspective.1840988.

ISNAD

Özçatal, Demrenur - Başpınar, Mustafa Serhat. “Effect of Different Gypsum Particle Morphologies on the Properties of Lightweight Polyethylene Fly Ash Gypsum Composite”. Engineering Perspective 6/1 (February 1, 2026): 114-121. https://doi.org/10.64808/engineeringperspective.1840988.

JAMA

1.Özçatal D, Başpınar MS. Effect of Different Gypsum Particle Morphologies on the Properties of Lightweight Polyethylene/Fly Ash/Gypsum Composite. engineeringperspective. 2026;6:114–121.

MLA

Özçatal, Demrenur, and Mustafa Serhat Başpınar. “Effect of Different Gypsum Particle Morphologies on the Properties of Lightweight Polyethylene Fly Ash Gypsum Composite”. Engineering Perspective, vol. 6, no. 1, Feb. 2026, pp. 114-21, doi:10.64808/engineeringperspective.1840988.

Vancouver

1.Demrenur Özçatal, Mustafa Serhat Başpınar. Effect of Different Gypsum Particle Morphologies on the Properties of Lightweight Polyethylene/Fly Ash/Gypsum Composite. engineeringperspective. 2026 Feb. 1;6(1):114-21. doi:10.64808/engineeringperspective.1840988

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