What is fly ash described as?

Fly ash is a byproduct that is produced when coal is burned for energy generation in power plants. It is composed of fine particles that are carried away from the combustion chamber by flue gases. The key characteristic of fly ash is its very fine powdery texture, which makes it a significant material in various applications, particularly in construction.

As a fine powder, fly ash can be used as a pozzolanic material, which means it has cement-like properties when mixed with water and can contribute to the strength and durability of concrete. Its fine particles also allow it to fill voids in concrete, enhancing the overall quality of the material.

While it is indeed a solid waste in the context of industrial byproducts, the defining feature that sets fly ash apart is its particle size and powdered form, which is crucial for its applications in construction and materials science. This characteristic is what primarily defines fly ash, consequently making it a very fine powder.