Characterization of Rice Husk for Sustainable Applications

Abstract

Paddy (Oryza sativa L.) is the third major crop grown in the world. Paddy consists of 70-75 per cent rice, 18-22 per cent husk and 5-8 per cent bran. Husk obtained from milling industry is mostly burnt or dumped as waste in the open fields. Physical properties, proximate analysis and biochemical analysis were done in the current study for analyzing the feasible methods for utilization of rice husk. The combined hemicellulose and cellulose content of 53.45 per cent in the husk indicates its potential usage in the paper pulp industry. Volatile content (71.23 per cent) of rice husk proposes its promising applications as fuel for the gasifier. Lignin content (26.20 per cent) in rice husk marks it as viable biomass for char yield. Ash content of rice husk was found to be about 20 per cent which predominantly contains silica. The higher silica content of rice husk ash suggests its usage on the preparation of diode cells and battery electrodes..