Development of high volume rice husk ash alumino silicate composites

Abstract

The development of high volume rice husk ash (RHA) alumino silicate composites (ASC) was studied. RHA was used as the source of silica and aluminium in the ASC. The mass ratios of RHA:Al(OH)₃ of 70:30 to 99:1 were tested. The results indicate that the obtained ASC mortars are not stable and disintegrate in water. Boric acid was introduced to the mixture to overcome this problem. Stable ASC mortars with high RHA:Al(OH)₃ mass ratios of 90:10 to 97.5:2.5 were obtained with the use of boric acid and 115°C curing. The compressive strength of the mortar of 20 MPa was gained. The immersion test indicates that high volume RHA ASC mortars show good resistance in 3vol% H₂SO₄ solution, but is slightly less durable in 5wt% MgSO₄ solution.

Keywords

composite materials / rice husk ash / aluminium hydroxide / boric acid / alumino silicates / sulphate attack

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