Influence of Temperature on the Substitution of Quartz by Rice Husk Ash (RHA) in Porcelain Composition

Abstract

Rice Husk Ash (RHA) is a by-product of the agricultural industry which contains high amount of silica. Active silica from RHA has been used progressively to substitute quartz in a porcelain composition and the effect this substitution in relation to temperature on physical and mechanical properties has been investigated. It was found that progressive substitution of RHA in a porcelain composition resulted in early vitrification of the mixture. The compressive strength was highest and the porosity was the least at a temperature of 1200°C on 20wt% substitution of RHA. The improvement in the properties could be attributed to sharp changes in the microstructural features as a result of increase in mullite and glassy phase simultaneously. Hence the extension of study on microstructure and morphology has influence on the physical and mechanical properties.