The performance of synthetic ettringite as a sorbent in fluidized bed desulphurization has been assessed and compared with that of a commercial limestone. Experiments have been carried out in a bench scale fluidized bed reactor under simulated desulphurizing (steadily oxidizing) combustion conditions. Sorbent performance has been characterized in terms of desulphurization rate, maximum sulphur uptake and attrition propensity. Fluidized bed sulphation experiments have been complemented by microstructural characterization of solid samples, accomplished via X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy and sulphur mapping of cross-sections of particles embedded in epoxy resin. Experimental results show that both the rate and the maximum extent of sulphur uptake by ettringite significantly exceed those of the limestone. Maximum degree of free calcium utilization is 0.58 for ettringite compared with 0.27 for the limestone. Sulphation tests also indicate that attrition propensity of ettringite is larger than that correspondingly observed for the limestone. Microstructural characterization indicates that sulphation of ettringite takes place evenly throughout the particle cross-section, whereas sulphation of limestone mostly conforms to a core-shell pattern. Along a parallel pathway, the rate and yield of ettringite formation by hydration of fly ash from a utility fluidized bed boiler have been assessed. Formation of ettringite in these experiments appears to be quantitative upon curing of ash at 70 degreesC for times up to 4 days. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All fights reserved.