Characterisation of Girei Rice Husk Ash for Silica Potential

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the potential of Girei Rice Husk Ash (RHA) as reinforcement in metal matrix composite. Rice husk from local millers in Girei market in Adamawa state was collected, prepared and burned in metallurgical furnace at temperatures of 500 o C, 600 o C, 700 o C, 800 o C and 900 o C and the percentage ash yields determined. The resulting ashes were analysed using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) machine to determine their chemical oxide composition. The result shows that the resulting ash yield based on mass basis were 19.167%, 17.823%, 17.572%, 21.789% and 21.826% at 500 o C, 600 o C, 700 o C, 800 o C and 900 o C respectively. The ashes were found to contain high percentage of silica content of 96.841%, 96.256%, 97.096%, 96.691% and 96.409% then followed by alumina content of 0.944%, 1.023%, 1.135%, 1.074% and 0.965% at same temperatures respectively. These results shows that rice husk ash produce from Rice from Girei contain high percentage silica and some alumina and can be used in chemical formulations requiring silica such as in metal matrix composites.