Rice Husk Research Articles

Numerical modelling of autogenous shrinkage of rice husk ash blended cement mortar

Addition of rice husk ash (RHA) is an effective internal curing method to mitigate self-desiccation and autogenous shrinkage of hydrating cementitious materials. Although a certain number of experimental researches on this topic have been carried out, a comprehensive study about numerical simulation of mitigating effect of RHA on autogenous shrinkage of cementitious materials is still scarce. In this study, a numerical model of autogenous shrinkage of rice husk ash blended cement mortar was proposed. The proposed numerical model was based on Pickett model and improved by taking visco-elastic behaviour of rice husk ash blended cementitious materials into account. Final setting time, chemically bound water, compressive strength, internal relative humidity (RH) and autogenous shrinkage of pure Portland cementitious materials and rice husk ash blended cementitious materials were experimentally studied. Liquid absorption capacity and water vapour desorption isotherm of rice husk ash were also measured. The comparison between the simulated and measured autogenous shrinkage showed that the autogenous shrinkage of rice husk ash blended cement mortar can be predicted accurately with the proposed numerical model.

Rice Husk Silica Liquid Enhances Autophagy and Reduces Overactive Immune Responses via TLR-7 Signaling in Lupus-Prone Models.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by widespread inflammation and multi-organ damage. Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR-7) and autophagy have been implicated in SLE pathogenesis. Rice husk silica liquid (RHSL) has shown potential for modulating inflammatory responses, but its effects on SLE have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aims to evaluate the impact of RHSL on immune responses and autophagy in cell culture experiments, focusing on its effects on TLR-7 signaling, cytokine production, and autophagy modulation. RAW264.7 cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors and SLE patients were used. Cells were stimulated with LPS or TLR-7 agonists and treated with RHSL. Cell viability was assessed, and cytokine levels (TNF-α and IL-6) were measured by ELISA. Autophagy-related proteins (LC3II, ATG5-ATG12) were analyzed by Western blotting. The effect of autophagy inhibition was studied using 3-methyladenine (3-MA). A concentration of 100 μg/mL RHSL did not affect cell viability but significantly reduced the TNF-α production in TLR-7 agonist-stimulated RAW264.7 cells (compared to TLR-7 alone, 3.41 ± 0.54 vs. 6.72 ± 0.07 folds) and PBMCs (compared to TLR-7 alone, 0.97 ± 0.19 vs. 1.40 ± 0.33 folds). RHSL enhanced autophagy, as evidenced by increased LC3II (4.35 ± 1.08 folds) and ATG5-ATG12 (7.07 ± 1.30 folds) conjugation in both RAW264.7 cells and SLE patient-derived PBMCs. The reduction in TNF-α production by RHSL was attenuated by 3-MA, indicating that autophagy plays a role in this process. RHSL also inhibited the translocation of phosphorylated NF-κB into the nucleus, suggesting a mechanism for its anti-inflammatory effects. RHSL exhibits potential as an immunomodulatory agent in SLE by enhancing autophagy and modulating TLR-7 signaling pathways. These findings suggest that RHSL could offer therapeutic benefits for managing inflammatory responses in SLE and warrant further investigation into its clinical applications.

Understanding the adsorption mechanism of carbon dioxide capture on hybrid zeolites prepared from rice husk ash via a modified statistical physics model

In this study, a modified advanced double-layer model based on statistical physics was developed and utilized to explore the adsorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) on two zeolites: W-ZSM-5 and W-silicalite-1. This model was formulated assuming that different chemical potentials were involved in the interfacial phenomenon, in contrast to other double-layer models that consider only one chemical potential. This formulation provides a better understanding of the multilayer adsorption of gases. The results obtained from this new model indicate that in the case of the CO2-W-ZSM-5 system, CO2 molecules altered their adsorption orientation from a mixed orientation (n = 0.88) involving both parallel and non-parallel configurations. Similarly, the molecules shifted from a multimolecular orientation (n = 1.17) to a perpendicular orientation for CO2 adsorption on the W-silicalite-1 surface. The calculated adsorption energies confirmed the presence of an exothermic adsorption process governed by physical interactions between the CO2 molecules and the surfaces of these zeolites. Finally, the adsorption energy distribution (AED) of both adsorbent surfaces was analyzed to determine the energy band activated during the CO2 capture process. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of CO2 adsorption on zeolite surfaces. This new statistical physics model can be used for the process design of gas adsorption systems in various applications.

Comparing durability and compressive strength predictions of hyperoptimized random forests and artificial neural networks on a small dataset of concrete containing nano SiO2 and RHA

Through the increasing use of supplementary cementitious materials, the properties of concrete have taken on increased significance in a design code. Using reliable prediction models based on a small data set for the mechanical properties and durability of concrete can reduce the number of trial batches and experiments needed to produce useful design data in the laboratory, reducing time as well as resources. In this study, we investigate how the properties of water penetration, chlorine resistance, and compressive strength can be predicted by polynomial regression (PR), random forest (RF) regression, and artificial neural networks (ANNs) based on the input values of density, workability, and the constituent amount of rice husk ash, cement, and nano SiO 2 . We vary the training data used and test the coefficient of determination ( R 2 score) on the remaining data as a test set to measure predictive capability. We show that RFs and ANNs outperform PR in all settings and have unambiguously extrapolating properties when hyperparameter optimization is designed for this purpose. Remarkably, we obtain R 2 scores on the test data of 0.858 − 0.990 for RFs and 0.825 − 0.985 for ANNs.

A novel technique of dual modified acid-washed layered double hydroxides-biochar for adsorption and as potential catalysts for electrochemical applications

The enhanced concentration of nitrate ions in wastewater delivered from industries has led to consequential environmental issues and severe health problems for humanity. Considering the advantages to the environment and being cost-effective, adsorption techniques based on biochar materials have appeared as a remarkable strategy to adsorb nitrate. Although the porous nature of the biochar materials aids in adsorption, the stability is a significant hindrance, thus limiting nitrate adsorption. Thus, in an effort to tackle this difficulty, layered double hydroxide (LDH) modified with cationic surfactant rice husk biochar is utilized to enhance the stability and the performance of nitrate adsorption. In the current research, pristine biochar (Pure-BC), surfactant-modified biochar (BC-S), varying concentrations of iron and magnesium-modified LDH with surfactant biochar materials (FM-SL, MF-SL) were synthesized, and batch experiments were conducted in order to explore their performance of nitrate adsorption. The acid-washed biochar exhibited novel rapid adsorption within a period of 10 min and a maximum adsorption capacity of 72 mg/g at neutral pH, whose mechanism was based on both physical and chemical adsorption. Further, the pristine and modified biochar materials were analyzed for their electrochemical behavior in order to explore their chemical reactivity and electron transfer kinetics, with an overpotential value of 67 mV. Thus, the prepared biochar materials, being inexpensive, exhibit potential adsorbents for the adsorption of nitrate from industrial sewage waters and display better electrochemical characteristics.

PREPARATION AND ACELLULAR IN-VITRO BIOACTIVITY OF SOLID STATE SINTERED 45S5 BIOACTIVE CERAMICS USING BIO-WASTES AS ALTERNATIVE RESOURCES FOR BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS

In this research, rice husk ash (RHA) and eggshell ash (EGA) were used as biogenic materials for total replacement of pure quartz (SiO2) and calcium oxide (CaO) respectively in the traditional 45S5 bioactive glass composition by powder metallurgy route. Body formulation with nominal composition 45% RHA (SiO2), 24.5 EGA (CaO), 24.5% Na2O and 6% P2O5 was composed. The batch material was properly mixed with addition of 2% PVA (Polyvinyl alcohol) as binder and compacted at 70 MPa to produce compact samples of 40 x 20 mm. The samples were then allowed to dry in an ambient temperature followed by sintering at 1000°C for 2 h, then allowed to cool to room temperature. Selected samples were immersed inside prepared simulated body fluid (SBF – pH 7.4) at 37 °C for 5, 9, and 18h respectively. Physical, microstructure and phase evaluation were conducted to examine the developed bio-ceramic. The results showed the bio-waste based 45S5 bioceramic has bulk density and porosity of 1.02 g/cm3 and 62% respectively while deposits of carbonate-hydroxyapatite were found to increase with immersion period showing good bioactivity and affirm that the developed bio-waste based bioceramics are bioactive and can find suitable application bone repair.

Mechanical performance of fiber-reinforced concrete incorporating rice husk ash and recycled aggregates

Mechanical performance of fiber-reinforced concrete incorporating rice husk ash and recycled aggregates

Specialized Metabolites from the Husks of Rice Oryza Sativa L. and their Biological Activities.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) husk harbors a substantial proportion of biological metabolites, as one of the most plentiful agriculture by-products in rice milling process, rice husk remains poorly utilized. As a continuing search for potential bioactive molecules from the husk of rice, a totally of twelve components (1-12), including six sterol ferulates (1-6), one flavonoid (7), one dipeptide (8), and four phenylpropanoid derivatives (9-12) were obtained. All the chemical structures were elucidated based on comprehensive spectroscopic data. Wherein, compounds 1 and 2 were yield as previous undescribed metabolites, and the comprehensive NMR data for compounds 3 and 4 were first presented in its entirety. Motivated by the similarity of the structural motifs of components 1-6 to that of reported sterol ferulates, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects for compounds 1-6 were evaluated in vitro. Among them, compounds 5/6 had a significant antioxidant activity compare to that of vitamin E in both DPPH and reducing power assay up to the concentration 40 μg/ml; while compounds 1 and 2 exhibited weak suppressive effect on the production of nitric oxide, with the IC50 values of 53.27±1.37 μM.

Optimal development and performance evaluation of electrolytic graphene oxide synergistic all-solid waste cementitious grouting material

The low-carbon and friendly alkali-activated cementitious (AACM) grouting material has a broad application potential in the field of grouting engineering due to its excellent workability and higher early strength and is expected to replace cement grouting material in the future. In this study, an AACM grouting material using electrolytic graphene oxide (EGO) synergistic ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS)-fly ash (FA)-rice husk ash (RHA) solid waste was proposed. The optimal ratio was 0.025 % EGO, 8.13 % FA, 26.6 % RHA, and 65.27 % GGBS, which determined by the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Entropy Weight Method (EWP), and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods. A systematic evaluation of the mechanical properties and impermeability of the proposed AACM grouting material was conducted by macro experiments (compressive strength, flexural strength and permeability) and micro experiments (XRD, SEM-EDS, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) and Thermogravimetry Analysis (TG)). The results show that the increment of compressive strength and flexural strength for AACM grouting material with 0.025 % EGO compared to the cement water-glass grouting material were 161.2 % and 2.9 %, respectively, at 7-day. While the permeability coefficient compared to AACM grouting material without EGO decreased by 43.9 %. The XRD results show that the EGO reduced the intensity of AACM grouting material diffraction peaks, and FTIR analysis reveals that EGO increased the visibility of O-C-O characteristic peaks. These confirmed that EGO could enhance the degree of alkali activation reaction. The TG results indicate that the addition of EGO promoted the formation of carbonates, which strengthen the mechanical properties of AACM grouting material. The SEM-EDS results demonstrate that EGO increased the Ca/Si ratio, promoted the formation of highly polymerized hydration products.

Effects of the combination of biochar and organic fertilizer on soil properties and agronomic attributes of soybean (Glycine max L.)

This research aimed to investigate the impacts of a combination of rice husk biochar and organic fertilizer on the physical and chemical properties of soil, the population of soil bacteria, the relative chlorophyll content of leaves, the development of soybean root nodules, and yield components under strongly acid soil conditions. A greenhouse and pot experiment was designed using a randomize complete block design with factorial 2 × 3 treatments and three replications. The experimental treatments comprised two rates of biochar (35 and 70 g/pot) and three rates of organic fertilizer (70, 105, and 140 g/pot). After 100 days of amendment of strongly acidic soils, the results showed that application of treatments B35F70 and B70F140 increased soil pH by 16.80% compared to the control group (CK). On the other hand, treatments B35F140 and B70F105 resulted in an increase of soil electrical conductivity by 66.67% compared to CK. In addition, after 100 days of amendment with treatments B35F105, B35F105, B35F140, B70F105, B70F70, B70F70, and B35F140, organic matter, available phosphorous (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn), organic matter, available phosphorous (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn), significantly increased when compared to the control group (CK). Treatment B35F140 increased relative leaf chlorophyll content and soybean seed weight per plant by 60.76% and 100.56%, respectively when compared to the CK. Furthermore, treatment B35F70 produced 125% more root nodules than CK. Moreover, each amended strongly acid soil resulted with a significant upsurge in total soil bacteria compared to the CK. Overall, statistics proved that a combination of biochar and organic fertilizer improved soil properties and soybean agronomic attributes.

Research on the Wear State Detection and Identification Method of Huller Rollers Based on Point Cloud Data

Throughout the huller shelling process, the rubber rollers progressively deteriorate. The velocity of the rubber rollers decreases as the distance between the rollers rises. These modifications significantly influence the rate at which rice hulling occurs. Hence, the implementation of real-time online detection is crucial for maintaining the operational efficiency of the huller. Currently, the prevailing inspection methods include manual inspection, 2D vision inspection, deep learning methods, and machine vision methods. Nevertheless, these conventional techniques lack the ability to provide detailed information about the faulty components, making it challenging to conduct comprehensive defect identification in three dimensions. To address this issue, point cloud technology has been incorporated into the overall detection of the working condition of the huller. Specifically, the Random Sample Consensus segmentation algorithm and the adaptive boundary extraction algorithm have been developed to identify abnormal wear on the rubber rollers by analyzing the point cloud data on their surface. A solution technique has been developed for the huller to compensate for the speed of the rubber rollers and calculate the mean values of their radii. Additionally, a numerical simulation algorithm is proposed to address the dynamic change in the roller spacing detection. The results show that point cloud data can be utilized to achieve real-time and precise correction of anomalous wear patterns on the surface of rubber rollers.

Rancang Bangun Sistem Penyaring Debu Cyclone pada Pirolisis Biomassa

The purpose of the design of a cyclone dust filter system for biomass pyrolysis is as an alternative to improve the work yield of the biomass pyrolysis process. The cyclone functions as a filter for char and dust with gas produced after the pyrolysis process in the reactor tube, before being forwarded to the condenser and motor. The results of data analysis show that the biomass pyrolysis testing process with the addition of a cyclone dust filter system, the conclusion obtained is that with the addition of this cyclone dust filter system, the results of the biomass pyrolysis process obtained are even better, because the gas that is still mixed with char and dust will be filtered in this process. The test results using wood shavings, corn cobs, and rice husks also showed improvements compared to without using a cyclone dust filter system

Influence of Ameliorant and Mycorrhiza Application on Growth Performance and Yield of Glutinous Maize

The application of ameliorants combined with mycorrhizal inoculants can enhance the fertility of sandy soil by improving its physical, chemical, and biological properties. This research aims to evaluate the influence of ameliorant and mycorrhiza application on growth performance and yield of glutinous maize. A randomized block design was employed, consisting of five treatments: F1: 75% cow manure + 25% mycorrhizal inoculant; F2: 75% compost + 25% mycorrhizal inoculant; F3: 75% 'Subur' organic fertilizer + 25% mycorrhizal inoculant; F4: 75% rice husk biochar + 25% mycorrhizal inoculant; and F5: a mixture of 20% cow manure, 20% compost, 20% 'Subur' organic fertilizer, 20% rice husk biochar, and 20% mycorrhizal inoculant. The results indicate that the use of a balanced organic ameliorant mixture with 20% mycorrhiza can significantly improve sandy soil fertility, as well as the growth and productivity of glutinous maize. The F5 treatment, which consists of 20% cow manure, 20% compost, 20% 'Subur' organic fertilizer, 20% rice husk biochar, and 20% mycorrhizal inoculant, is recommended as the best practice for cultivating glutinous maize on sandy soils.

Evaluation on potential application of lipase immobilized on rice husks in enzymatic glycerolysis reaction

Owing to high production cost and low reaction yield, immobilized lipase is rarely used in industrial glycerolysis. This research characterizes the performance of lipase immobilized on rice husk in glycerolysis reaction. By utilizing hexamethylenediamine (HMDA) and glutaraldehyde (GA) as coupling agents, lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus was immobilized on oxidized rice husk (ORH). For comparison, another sample was prepared where the lipase was directly immobilized on ORH without the use of HMDA and GA. Then, monoglyceride production was performed via glycerolysis using the immobilized lipase. The FTIR analysis verify interactions on rice husk including rice husk oxidation, HMDA coupling, GA activation and lipase immobilization on rice husk. The study found that within the examined range of added lipase for immobilization (10–40 mg-protein/g-support), ORH–HMDA–GA–Lipase possessed superior outcomes in terms of protein loading, immobilization yield, and recovered glycerolysis activity compared to ORH–Lipase. Besides, ORH–HMDA–GA–Lipase exhibits better storage stability (60°C, 44.9 %) and higher reusability (90.0 % monoglyceride yield at the 8th cycle) against ORH–Lipase. The results confirm satisfying performance of the prepared immobilized lipase in glycerolysis and highlight its enhancements facilitated by coupling agents.

Coupling of biochar and silicon for Phyto-management of Cd contaminated soil using Brachiariamutica

Contamination of soil with heavy metals is a threatening global environmental problem. With increasing urbanization, it is very important to design economical and environment-friendly mitigation measures to have pollutant free soil. Phytoremediation is an advancing technique to extract pollutants from soil to achieve eco-sustainability. This study aimed to investigate the combined impact of biochar and silicon on growth attributes of Brachiaria mutica grown in cadmium (Cd) contaminated soil. The biochar was prepared by co-pyrolysis of agricultural left-over biomass (rice husk, bamboo leaves and corn cob in a 1:1:1 ratio) and physio-chemical characters were studied by FTIR, SEM-EDX and proximate analysis. A pot study was conducted to evaluate the potency of biochar and silicon in lowering the Cd uptake by para grass grown under Cd spiked soil. Total 8 treatments were planned by taking 1 % and 2 % biochar with 0.01 % and 0.02 % silicon. The results have shown that treatment 8 (2 % biochar and 0.02 % silicon) exhibited maximum improvement in growth parameters such as shoot length by 2.64-fold and root length by 44.9 %, along with improving the antioxidant defense system of Para grass (CAT by 2-fold and POD by 56.4 %). Application of treatment 8 also decreased Cd concentration in the shoot and root by 48.8 % and 47.4 %, respectively. Treatment 8 was most effective in reducing CaCl2 extractable Cd in soil up to 56.1 %. Based on this data, treatment 8 was most effectual in suppressing Cd stress. Biochar produced from other agricultural waste material along with Si as inorganic amendment can be used to immobilize other toxic heavy metals at field level. Heavy metals immobilization potential of Si and biochar can be tested by harvesting other grasses and oil seed crop species.

Impact of hydrothermal pretreatment at different temperatures on biomethane yield in anaerobic digestion of rice husk

Impact of hydrothermal pretreatment at different temperatures on biomethane yield in anaerobic digestion of rice husk

Rice Husk as Raw Material in Synthesis of NaA (LTA) Zeolite.

The present work deals with the hydrothermal synthesis of a Na-A (LTA) zeolite using rice husk as a starting material. The focus was on defining the most favorable conditions for the synthesis of zeolite Na-A from rice husk in order to economize on both energy (i.e., synthesis temperatures) and reaction time and to enlarge the field of the pure and isolated synthesized phase. Four sets of experiments were carried out at environmental pressure temperatures varying from 40 °C to 85 °C with a SiO2/Al2O3 ratio from 1.75 to 3.5. Optimal conditions for crystallization of the Na-A zeolite from rice husk were reached at 60 °C with a SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of 1.75. Sixty degrees Celsius represents the minimum known temperature used for the synthesis of NaA zeolite from rice husk. The products of synthesis were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The purity of the synthesized zeolite is verified here for the first time through quantitative phase analysis using the combined Rietveld and reference intensity ratio methods.

Advanced Vermicomposting Modality: Microbial Acceleration to Improve Micronutrient Profile of Agricultural Residue Derived Compost

Advancing circular economies and self-reliant agricultural systems will critically depend on innovative strategies to optimize resource utilization and agro-waste recycling for the sustainability of food production. The present study is focused on the potential of vermitechnology with diverse substrate compositions in bioconverting lignocellulosic agricultural residues into nutrient-rich amendments. Trials of vermicomposting were carried out exploiting Eudrilus eugeniae and a fungal decomposer consortium, Pusa Decomposer. Treatments included T1: Gliricidia sepium leaves (GL), T2: Banana pseudostem (BP), T3: Rice straw (RS), T4: Rice husk (RH), T5 (RS + BP – 8:1 w/w), T6 (RH + BP - 8:1 w/w), T7 (RH + RS + BP – 4:4:1 w/w) and T8 (RH + RS + BP + GL – 4:4:0.5:0.5 w/w) with 3 replications in CRD. T2 expressed peak Mn, Zn and Cu values at 418.40 mg kg-1, 247.50 mg kg-1 and 55.12 mg kg-1, respectively. T3 reported summit Fe and B at 8669.50 mg kg-1 and 37.00 mg kg-1, respectively. It was found that the combination of RS and BP reported excellent nutrient solubilization and enhanced EC, which ratiocinates the role of substrate mix in determining vermicompost quality. These findings emphasize the importance of substrate selection and microbial augmentation with fungal decomposer consortia such as Pusa decomposer, which optimize the vermicomposting process for nutrient recovery and improved soil health.

Effect of Various Potting Media on the Growth and Root Development of Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.) Cuttings

The study aims to enhance the propagation efficiency of Bougainvillea, a popular ornamental plant, by evaluating the effects of different potting media on its growth and root development. The experiment was conducted over 180 days using Bougainvillea hardwood cuttings and was arranged in a Randomized Block Design (RBD). The study revealed that a mixture of soil, sand, FYM, and vermicompost significantly improved plant height, stem girth, number of branches, number of leaves, leaf area, root weight, and survival rate compared to other treatments, highlighting its potential as an optimal potting medium for Bougainvillea propagation.The highest root length was recorded in the combination of Soil +Sand + Rice husk (1:1:1).

AI-guided investigation of biochar’s efficacy in Pb immobilization for remediation of Pb contaminated agricultural land

This study evaluated the lead (Pb) immobilization efficiency of biochar in contaminated agricultural soil. The biochar was produced from a range of major biomass residues and pyrolyzed under well-controlled conditions. Ten different types of standard biochar samples were derived from five different feedstocks (i.e., softwood, miscanthus straw, rice husk, oilseed rape straw, wheat straw) and pyrolyzed at 550 ℃ and 700 ℃. Pb-contaminated soil near an abandoned mine was incubated with 2.5% (w w− 1) of biochar. Incubation was conducted for various durations at room temperature under both short-term (21 days) and long-term (214 days) conditions. This variation explicitly accounted for the simulated microplastic contamination during the long-term incubation period. A novel framework has been developed to predict the long-term immobilization effect of various biochar types using a machine-learning approach, following the successful identification of optimal biochar implementations. This prediction method utilizes a small on-field dataset by employing a data augmentation approach, showcasing an innovative approach to forecasting the effects of different biochar types over time. After the incubation period, soil samples were analyzed for their chemical properties. As a result, oil seed rape biochar was the highest in pH, EC, exchangeable Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+, total nitrogen content, soil organic matter content, and available phosphate. In return, OSR 700 treated soils showed the highest content of exchangeable cations and the lowest content of available Pb after the incubation period. The most efficient biochar for immobilizing lead (Pb) in soil appears to be OSR 700, based on the available evidence.