Pod Ash Research Articles

OPTIMIZATION OF CONCRETE CONTAINING LIMESTONE DUST AND LOCUST BEAN POD ASH BY CENTRAL COMPOSITE DESIGN.

The over-reliance on concrete produced from cement had kept the cost of construction high and also prevented people from building modern and cost-effective houses most especially by rural dwellers in the developing nations. Emission of carbon footprint during cement production depletes the ozone layer which is a major concern to researchers all over the world. This investigation focused on the partial replacement of cement with Locust Bean Pod Ash (LBPA) and Limestone Dust (LSD) with a characteristic strength of 20 N/mm2 . Tests were conducted on slump, compressive, and flexural strength. The results of the physical properties showed that cement had a specific gravity of 3.14, LSD and LBPA had 2.72 and 2.61 respectively. The result of the slump test for the admixed concrete containing LSD/LBPA showed that they were workable and the higher the replacement of cement with LBPA/LSD, the higher the slump value. Optimization of the admixed concrete properties was done by numerical method. Limestone dust was kept at 5% for all the runs, and LBPA ranged from 5% to 25% at curing ages of 28, 60, and 90 days. The analysis of variance showed that the model developed was significant. The optimal value obtained was 5% LSD and 5.4% LBPA at 90 days with compressive strength of 26.9 N/mm2 and flexural strength of 3.5 N/mm2 . Model equations were developed for both compressive and flexural strengths. This research recommends 5% LSD and 5.4% LBPA as cement replacements in the production of concrete.

Investigating the Tribological Behavior of Bioinspired Surfaces in Agro-waste and Alumina Reinforced AA6063 Matrix Composites

The tribological behavior of three bioinspired (BI) agro-waste ashes—bean pod ash (BPA), cassava peel ash (CPA), and coconut husk ash (CHA)—integrated as reinforcements in an alumina-reinforced AA6063 matrix hybrid and monolithic composite was investigated. Studies utilizing agro-wastes for bioinspired surfaces are limited despite these wastes posing significant environmental challenges. Consequently, there has been a growing effort to valorize these residues for sustainable engineering applications. This study uses a two-step stir-casting methodology to engineer bioinspired materials with lightweight properties, exceptional hardness, and wear-resistant characteristics. Microstructural investigations revealed a homogeneous distribution of natural and synthetic reinforcements within the AA6063 matrix. Lightweight AMCs were successfully fabricated, exhibiting densities ranging from 2.57 to 2.74 g/cm³ and hardness values between 81.28 and 107.47 BHN. The average surface roughness of these composites varied from 2.4 to 3.4 μm, with ANOVA tests confirming a statistically significant difference (p < 0.005). Wear rates and the coefficient of friction were observed to range from 2.52 x 10-3 to 5.50 x 10-3 mm³/m and 0.2476 to 0.5403, respectively. Reinforcing the AA6063 alloy with bioinspired agro-wastes significantly enhanced the hardness and tribological performance of the as-cast BI-AMCs. Notably, the wear rates and friction coefficients were significantly reduced, with the monolithic BI-AMCs demonstrating superior results. Furthermore, adding bioinspired agro-wastes, such as BPA, CPA, and CHA, improved the surface texture of AA6063 more effectively than Al2O3, leading to slightly smoother surfaces. These nuanced bioinspired tribological behaviors present opportunities for tailored load-bearing and aesthetic applications derived from agro-waste-based composites. This study advances our understanding of bioinspired tribological phenomena and paves the way for the development of innovative materials with diverse applications and enhanced performance.

GEOTECHNICAL AND MINERALOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF LATERITIC SOIL AND LOCUST BEAN (PARKIA BIGLOBOSA) PODS ASH AS CONSTRUCTION SOIL

African locust bean (Parkia Biglobosa) has been in great demand and consequently yielding large amounts of the pods which could be a potential hazard to the environment. Converting the pods to ash that would be utilized as construction material is another way of handling them properly. The effects of the mineralogy of the soil on its geotechnical characteristics when the soil is treated with locust bean pod ash have been given very little attention. Therefore, this study considered the effects of locust bean pod ash (LBPA) and the mineralogy of lateritic soil on some geotechnical properties necessary for it to be used as subgrade or foundation soil. The determination of the chemical constituents of the LBPA was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The lateritic soil was characterized by identifying the clay minerals as well as non-clay minerals present in the soil using the x-ray diffraction technique and preliminary tests were also carried out to properly rate the soil. The soil was treated by applying dosages of LBPA 0 – 25% at intervals of 5% and the percentages were measured by weight of the dry soil. The tests conducted on the prepared soil samples with LBPA were specific gravity, consistency indices, compaction (British Standard Light), California bearing ratio and direct shear box test. The LBPA was found to be an acceptable pozzolanic material for the treatment of the lateritic soil. The lateritic soil was observed to belong to soil groups A-2-6(0) in the AASHTO and poorly graded sand (SP) in USCS ratings. It was also observed that the non-clay minerals present in the soil were quartz, feldspar and mica whereas the clay minerals present were kaolinite, iolite, vermiculite and chlorite which had a significant influence on the geotechnical characteristics of the soil. The specific gravity of the LBPA was relatively low and the additions of LBPA reduced the specific gravity of the soil. The consistency indices also dropped and subsequently increased with the further addition of LBPA. The increase in LBPA contents caused increments in the optimum moisture content while the maximum dry density and shear strength parameters reduced. The strength characteristics like the California Bearing Ratio of the lateritic soil improved by 173.91% at the addition of 5% LBSA content which was determined to be the optimum dosage.

EVALUATION OF LOCUST BEAN POD ASH AS MINERAL FILLER IN HOT MIX ASPHALT

An increase in the consumption of agricultural products generates large quantities of waste daily. The husks of the locust bean seeds when removed from the plant are littered in the environment which negatively affects the environment. In this research, locust bean pod ash (LBPA) was used as a mineral filler in hot mix asphalt. Physical and chemical tests were done on the aggregate, bitumen and LBPA, showing adequacy for use in asphalt concrete production. All tests were conducted in accordance with relevant standards. LBPA was admixed with granite dust from 0–50% (at intervals of 10%) with varying bitumen content from 4–7% (at 0.5% intervals). For this experiment, the Marshall mix design method was used. The Marshall stability of samples containing LBPA improved by 19%, from 8.16kN to 9.67kN. Similarly, Marshall flow decreased by 19% from 3.4 mm to 2.75 mm. The density-void analysis of the asphalt samples also revealed an improvement. The microstructural examination revealed an enhanced structural arrangement due to the flocculation of the LBPA particles. Overall, the hot mix asphalt samples meet the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing specifications for flexible pavement-wearing courses. It was determined by the study that adding 40% LBPA with 60% granite dust at 5% bitumen content would improve the performance of hot mix asphalt.

Optimization of Calcined Beans Pod Ash – Cement Blended Concrete Mix Using Taguchi Method

This study investigated the optimization of calcined beans pod ash (BPA) - cement concrete mix using the Taguchi method. Concrete is a widely used building material with various performance requirements. These requirements are mostly influenced by concrete constituent materials and mixtures proportion obtained from concrete mix design. But improper mix design can result in inherent defects or local imperfections, which can significantly deteriorate the performance properties of concrete and jeopardize the structural integrity and durability of concrete structure. Taguchi method of optimization was employed to address these challenges. It involves identifying key factors (water – cement ratio, percentage of BPA – cement replacement, fine to total aggregate ratio and super-plasticizer dosage), selecting suitable levels for these factors, and conducting experiments to determine the optimum combination of factors. The effects of these variables on concrete slump flow (SF), compressive strength (Fcu), and split tensile strength (Fy) were evaluated. The results of SF, Fcu and Fy of BPA – cement concrete show significant improvement of 23.74%, 21.72% and 21.43% respectively, when cement was partially replaced with BPA from 5% to 20%. Likewise, an improvement of 5.97%, 5.69% and 5.37% for SF, Fcu and Fy of BPA – cement concrete, when the dosage of super-plasticizer in concrete mix was varied from 6% to 12%. A respective optimal parameter combination for BPA – cement concrete slump and strengths were obtained at 0.40, 5%, 0.4, 6 ml/kg of cement and 0.35, 5%, 0.4, 6 ml/kg of cement for W-C, BPA, F-T Agg, SP respectively.

Effect of green gram pod ash (GGPA) as supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in mechanical and durability properties of concrete

Agriculture waste generation is increasing daily, and agricultural waste management has become one of the most challenging issues for many countries. To contribute towards a sustainable waste management system, this experimental study evaluates the impact of using agricultural waste materials in concrete. Concrete that does not harm the environment and has improved engineering properties can be produced using agricultural waste ash such as green gram pod ash. Green concrete has been examined for its mechanical, durability and microstructure properties when partially replaced with Portland cement by green gram pod ash (GGPA). Conducting various tests using concrete containing different weight proportions of green gram pod ash in a mix at 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%, respectively. This paper examines the mechanical, durability and morphological characteristics of green gram pod ash blended with cement concrete. It has been shown that concrete containing 8% green gram pod ash enhances the properties of GGPA concrete. It was observed that the addition of 8% green gram pod ash enhances the compressive strength. Split tensile strength, flexure strength, modulus of elasticity and impact strength of concrete by 4.26%, 4.07%, 35.19%, 16% and 10.3% at 28 days of curing. It was concluded that green gram pod ash was shown to satisfy engineering application design requirements and significantly reduce concrete production costs and environmental pollution. The cement replacement with 8% of GGPA is optimum for achieving better concrete properties.

Production and Characterization of Biodiesel from Castor Seed Oil Using Cocoa Pod Ash as Catalyst

AbstractA major problem retarding the commercialization of biodiesel is the derivation of catalysts and feedstocks from high‐cost materials. Hence, the following proposal is being put forward to mitigate this challenge: Extract and characterize castor oil, synthesize and characterize cocoa pod ash as the base catalyst, and apply the base catalyst for biodiesel production. Cocoa pods were heated at 600 °C for 35 min in a muffle furnace and the product sieved to obtain ash with uniform size distribution. The yield of castor oil extracted was 42 %, and the synthesized catalyst was capable of transesterifying the extracted oil. Castor oil was converted to biodiesel with cocoa pod ash as catalyst. A biodiesel yield of 88 % was obtained. The catalyst was characterized by various methods to confirm the presence of active sites. The physicochemical properties of the biodiesel product are consistent with literature values.

Properties of Concrete and Mortar Containing Locust Bean Pod Ash as Cement Replacement: A Review

Properties of Concrete and Mortar Containing Locust Bean Pod Ash as Cement Replacement: A Review

IMPACT OF HEAT TREATMENT METHOD AND MILLET POD TYPE ON REAL DENSITY AND POZZOLANIC ACTIVITY INDEX BY ASH RESISTANCE

Artificial pozzolans derived from agricultural by-products are generally obtained by heat treatment. The thermal treatment method used and the type of waste influence the quality of the final product. The aim of this study was to measure the actual density and pozzolanic activity index of millet pod ash produced in three different ways. Ash A is produced by direct calcination of the husks from which the millet seeds are removed (without the stalk). Ash B is obtained by burning and then calcining the millet husks. Ash C is produced by direct calcination of the millet straw (husks + stalks). The actual density was determined in accordance with standard NF EN 1097-6. The pozzolanic activity index by resistance was measured on the basis of the recommendations of American standard ASTM-C618. For the ashes A, B and C produced, we respectively obtained true densities of 2.256 g/cm3 2.150 g/cm3 and 2.033 g/cm3. The pozzolanic activity indices per strength obtained were 0.42, 0.23 and 0.70 respectively. These results showed that the ash produced from direct calcination of raw millet waste (straw) had the best reactivity and the lowest density. It is therefore well suited to the production of low-density cementitious matrix composites.

STUDY OF A CONCRETE FORMULATION APPROACH WITH POZZOLANIC ADDITION BASED ON THE DREUX GORISSE METHOD: THE CASE OF MILLET POD ASH

Environmental issues have led construction researchers to work on reducing the amount of cement used in cement concrete, a material that is harmful to the environment because of its high CO2 emissions. Their approach has been to use concretes in which some of the cement is replaced by pozzolanic materials. In this case, the binder used in pozzolanic concrete is an equivalent binder (cement + pozzolan). The difficulty lies in mastering the behavior of the equivalent binder so that it can be integrated into one of the concrete formulation methods. The aim of this study was to investigate the behavior of the equivalent binder (cement+ millet pod ash) for integration into the DREUX-GORISSE concrete mix design method. To this end, the effect of millet bean ash on the binders strength class was studied, in order to adjust the quantity of water to maintain the desired workability. The absolute density of the millet husk ash is taken into account when determining the absolute volumes of the aggregates. After processing the results, the strength class of the equivalent binder is the product of the strength class of the cement and the pozzolanic activity index of the pozzolan used. The quantity of water required to achieve a given workability is the sum of the quantity of water required for workability in the case of cement alone and the product of the mass of pozzolan by a coefficient equal to 0.66.

Acid Attack Resistance of Concrete Produced by Partial Replacement of Cement with Limestone Dust and Locust Bean Pod Ash

Concrete, a widely used construction material, has an alkaline pH value of 12 – 13.5, which makes it susceptible to acid attacks. In this study, effect of acid (H2SO4) attack on concrete produced by partially replacing cement with limestone dust (LSD) and locust bean pod ash (LBPA) was investigated. LBPA was constant at 5% while LSD was varied at 5% intervals from 0 to 25% by weight of cement. Sulphuric acid solution of 5% concentration was used to examine the resistance of concrete specimens for a total exposure period of 28 days. The performance of the degraded specimens was evaluated by measuring the strength loss. The results show that the control mix’s compressive strength dropped from 31 N/mm2 before immersion to 23.15 N/mm2 after 28 days of immersion in a 5% H2SO4 solution. At 10% LSD-LBPA mix, the compressive strength before immersion dropped from 24.33 N/mm2 to 23.81 N/mm2 after immersion in a 5% H2SO4 solution. The least amount of strength loss of 2.14 percent was obtained at 10% mix. The control mix suffered the greatest loss of strength of 25.32 percent. Water absorption in the mixes decreased up to 10% mix, and then increased when LSD and LBPA were further added. At a 10% mix, the lowest rate of water absorption of 16.28 percent was obtained. Based on the findings, a 10% LSD-LBPA (5% LSD + 5% LBPA) mix produces concrete with better H2SO4 acid resistance than the control mix and is hereby recommended for concrete production in acidic environments.

Effect of Locust Bean Pod Ash as Filler on Hot Mix Asphalt Mixtures

At present, the conventional sources for mineral filler in asphaltic concrete mixes are the chemical element of lime, cement, quarry dust and fly ash which has some health hazards. This study presents a laboratory investigation on the effects of locust bean ash as filler in Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) production for a wearing course in order to find a cost-effective, environmentally friendly and less hazardous alternative to the traditional mineral filler of cement or lime. A total of 90 trials of bituminous mixtures with two types of mineral filler (locust bean ash and ordinary Portland cement) at 4 loading rates of 0, 2.5, 5 and 10% were evaluated for mechanical (strength) and workability performance properties according to standard asphalt mix Marshall Method of design. The Marshall stability, flow, density and void properties were developed for each mineral filler contents and the corresponding optimum binder content were determined for the general specification for roads and bridges in a subtropical region. The 2.5% for the two types of mineral filler was found to produce best performance of the HMA at optimum binder content of 5.5%. Also, the use of locust bean ash was found to be hazardous-free. Similarly, mineral filler from biomass was found to be advantageous for use as mineral filler source in asphalt mix production. Its application in the subtropical region where the biomass wastes are mostly abundant was recommended for HMA.

Effect of Date Palm Seed Pod Ash and Eggshell Powder on the Physico-Mechanical Properties of Cement Blends

The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of replacing eggshell powder (ESP) with date palm seed pod ash (DPSA), curing age and cement replacement on the properties of cement blended with ESP and/or DPSA on the water consistence, setting times and mortar compressive strengths according to ASTM standards. DPSA was produced by calcining date palm seed pod at 590°C for 8 hours followed by 630°C for 3 hours and the resultant ash was ground and sieve with a 90-micron sieve. Portland limestone cement CEM II 42.5R was employed and replaced by eggshell powder and DPSA at various proportions between 0 – 12.5 wt.% at interval of 2.5 wt.% for consistence and setting times whereas cement replacement was varied between 0 -8 wt.% at interval of 2 wt.% for the mortar compressive strength by using 50 mm cubes with a mixing ratio 1:3:5 (water, binder and sand). DPSA revealed high silica content of 42.75 wt.% with SiO₂+Al₂O₃+Fe₂O₃ < 70% (45.38 wt.%) and hence may not be considered as a good pozzolana whereas ESP revealed a high lime content of 55.45 wt.% and considered a filler respectively using X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Results indicated an increase in the water consistence for DPSA cement blend in comparison with control which related to either presence of unburnt carbon, clinker diminution or formation of magnesium hydroxide as a protective layer. Most of the cement blends experienced a diminution in the setting time compared to control except for cement blended with higher DPSA content. The accelerated and retarded setting times could possibly be due to available lime which favors ettringite instead of monosulfate and unburnt carbon present resulting in high water demand. The compressive strengths of both the control and cement experienced increments as curing age progressed with most of the blends exhibiting enhanced strength especially at the later stage at 28 and 60 days in comparison with control PLC. The reason for the enhanced strength at the later stage despite clinker diminution could be attributed to pozzolanic reaction between silica present in DPSA coupled with the available lime present in ESP. The optimal cement replacement of 4 wt.% was observed beyond which cement blends produced slightly lower strength in comparison with control owing to clinker diminution effect and higher water demand due to unburnt carbon present.

Performance of high strength concrete containing locust bean pod ash as cement replacement

Performance of high strength concrete containing locust bean pod ash as cement replacement

Potential Heterogeneous Catalysts from Three Biogenic Residues toward Sustainable Biodiesel Production: Synthesis and Characterization

AbstractThe cost and difficulty in the preparation of synthetic heterogeneous base catalysts is the main barrier to their use. Today, the majority of these catalysts are derived from biomass resources. This study aimed at developing and characterizing these catalysts from three biogenic residues for biodiesel production without catalyst support. The EDS indicated the variation of Na, K, Mg, and Ca, having aggregates of 67.45, 83.15, and 76.85 % in calcined‐ periwinkle shell‐ash (CPWSA), ‐melon seed‐husk ash (CMSHA) and ‐locust bean pod ash (CLBPA), respectively. XRD revealed the presence of sodium oxide (Na2O), calcium oxide (CaO), potassium oxide (K2O), and magnesium oxide (MgO) in the catalysts at 800 °C. The FTIR showed the presence of C=O, C−H, and O−H bonds in the catalyst samples. The basicity values of CPWSA, CMSHA, and CLBPA are 11.65, 10.41, and 11.62, respectively. The developed catalysts were used to synthesize biodiesel from palm kernel oil.

Tribological and Mechanical Characteristics of Mg–Zn6.0–Y1.2–Zr0.2 alloy by SPS Technique: Natural and Agro-Waste Utilization

In India, urban solid waste generation has risen over the last decade. The aspect of waste generation is a large amount of waste materials among all solid waste types. While using ash particles eliminates waste, it also contributes desirable qualities. In this research work, the effects of Himalayan nettle leaf ash (HNLA) and bean pod ash (BPA) with molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) on the ZWK611 (Mg–Zn6.0–Y1.2–Zr0.2) alloy is examined. The as-cast alloy exhibits an α-Mg matrix, and cubic γ-phases are formed in addition to MoO3 particles. In this work, an attempt was made to choose a ZWK611 alloy reinforced with HNLA and BPA by varying weight percentages (X = 4, 8, 12, and 15%) with a constant weight percentage of MoO3 (5%) fabricated using spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. The mechanical and physical properties were tested for both as-cast alloy and magnesium hybrid composites. Surface morphology and XRD are analysed to identify material behaviour. The addition of 12% (HNLA-BPA)/5%(MoO3) hybrid composite exhibits high strength as compared to the as-cast alloy.

Potentials of Balanite Endocarp Pod Ash as a Cement Replacement Material

The exponential growth of agricultural wastes such as Balanite seed pod has resulted in waste management issues and finding alternatives through waste recycling is an interesting area of research. Balanite seed pods were collected in Yobe state, washed, dried, crushed. Balanite endocarp pod ash (BEPA) was calcined at 600 °C for 3 hours in a muffle furnace and the biomass was characterized with X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to determine its chemical composition. The analysis showed that the ash composed of silica, alumina and ferric oxide (74.24 wt.%) indicated a strong pozzolan based on American Standard. The BEPA possessed a high loss on ignition of 8.24 wt.% owing to the presence of unburnt carbon in the ash. The ash obtained was sieved with 75 µm sieve and cement was replaced with ash between 2.5 wt.% ~ 12.5 wt.% at interval of 2.5 wt.% to assess its impact on cement properties such as setting time, consistence, mortar strength and water absorption. Results showed that as percentage replacement increases, the water absorption increased while the mortar strength diminished whereas as the curing days progressed its strength improved despite clinker diminution due to cement hydration. 60 days strength for below 10 wt.% BEPA cement blend produced enhanced strength compared with control which is evidence of slow pozzolanic reactions. The optimum percentage replacement with BEPA was obtained at 7.5 wt.% replacement beyond which significantly affected the cement properties especially its strength. It could be agreed that BEPA has potentials to be considered and employed as a cement replacement material.

Entomotoxicity of some agro-wastes against cowpea bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) [Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae] infesting cowpea seeds in storage

Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata is a popular agricultural produce known as poor man's meat among Africans because it is very cheap and affordable. In spite of its importance, its infestation by cowpea seed bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus has been a major constrain hindering its storage. Considering the high level of infestation of cowpea by C. maculatus and the high level of pollution caused by agricultural products, this research investigated the entomotoxicant effectiveness of rice husk, wheat husk and groundnut pod ash and powder in the control of cowpea beetle in storage. This study was carried out under laboratory condition of ambient temperature 28 ± 2 °C and 70 ± 5% relative humidity. The wastes (rice husk, groundnut pod and wheat husk) were pulverized separately and another portion was burnt to ashes at 525 °C. The powders and the ashes were analyzed for their proximate composition, phytochemical content (powders) and silica content (ashes). The powders and the ashes were tested at 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 g/20 g of cowpea. Rice husk ash resulted in the highest mortality of 100% of adult beetles at dosage of 0.5g/20g cowpea after 96 h post-application. Wheat husk ash at 0.4 and 0.5 g per 20 g cowpea seed had the highest protectant ability on cowpea as it reduced fecundity to 4.67% and prevented adult emergence, seed damage and weight loss. The ash of the wastes caused more mortality of the adult beetles than their powders. The results obtained showed that the wastes caused high mortality of C. maculatus. It was also found that the wastes had some phytochemicals which might be responsible for the recorded high mortality. The findings showed that the tested agro-wastes have a promising insecticidal potential against C. maculatus, and can be used as possible alternatives to synthetic chemical insecticides for the control of stored product insects.

Effect of rhizopus stolonifer fermented cocoa pod husk meal supplemented with enzyme on growth performance, heamato-biochemical indices and sexual maturity of pullet chicken

Effect of rhizopus stolonifer fermented cocoa pod husk meal supplemented with enzyme on growth performance, heamato-biochemical indices and sexual maturity of pullet chicken

Effect of Pretreating Poultry Wastes with Cocoa Pod Husk Ash and Cassava Peel Ash on Biogas Production

The effect of addition of cocoa pod husk ash and cassava peel ash on biogas production from poultry waste was investigated. Three metallic floating drum digesters each of 36.5 L capacity and labeled A, B, and C were used. Digester A contained poultry waste only, B contained poultry waste blended with cocoa pod husk ash and C contained poultry waste blended with cassava peel ash. Biodigestion of the wastes in the three digesters was carried out simultaneously using a retention period of 41 days. The mass of poultry waste used in each of the three digesters was 20700 g. The biogas yield results showed that 13,977 cm3 of gas was produced in digester A, while 19,517 and 21,305 cm3 were produced in B and C respectively. When compare with digester A (control), addition of cocoa pod ash and cassava peel ash had increased biogas production by 39.63 and 52.43% respectively.Keywords— Cocoa pod husk, cassava peel, biogas, floating drum, digester, poultry waste