Rice Husk Powder Research Articles

Investigation of mechanism of heavy metals (Cr6+, Pb2+& Zn2+) adsorption from aqueous medium using rice husk ash: Kinetic and thermodynamic approach

In this work, we examined the possibility on the application of rice husk as biosorbent for the elimination of heavy metal ions (chromium, lead, and zinc) existing in the aqueous solutions. The biosorbent was prepared from rice husk powder and modified with 0.1 N of HCl for creating the functional groups and increase specific surface area. The FT-IR spectra, SEM& EDX studies of rice hulls powder were examined for the pristine adsorbent and after the adsorption of heavy metal ions. The batch adsorption technique was adopted for this work and adsorption parameters were optimized. The maximum efficiency of adsorption is obtained at 6.0 pH, 1 h of contact duration, the rice husk dosage is 2.5 g/L, and temperature of 30°C for 25 mg/L of Cr, Pb & Zn metal ion solutions. The Cr, Pb & Zn metal ions are removed up to 87.12 %, 88.63 % & 99.28 %, respectively, using the rice husk powder. The adsorption process follows the Temkin & D-R isotherm model. Elovich model was fitted against the kinetic data of metal ion adsorption. Based on the experimental observations, the rice husk powder can be considered as a low cost adsorbent for heavy metal ion removal from the industrial effluent.

Comparative analysis on the bleaching of crude palm oil using activated groundnut hull, snail shell and rice husk

Researchers have found out several ways by which environmental pollution can be of positive relevance by recycling the waste to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment. The bleaching process is a crucial process in palm oil refining in which an adsorbent is majorly used to adsorb the unwanted colour pigments and a wide range of other impurities. This study aims to modify three different adsorbents; Groundnut hull, Snail shell, and rice husk and processed them into powder form as Groundnut hull powder [GHP], Snail shell powder [SSP] and Rice husk powder [RHP] respectively. The effects of three factors: temperature, mass and time were investigated on the response. MINITAB 19 software was employed which resulted in 20 runs. The optimization of the bleaching effects imposed by the adsorbents on palm oil using Central Composite Design (CCD) was evaluated. The free fatty acid and peroxide value decrease with bleaching while the saponification value increased with bleaching. The analysis conducted shows that groundnut hull was able to adsorb the most significant value of FFA and peroxide value in the palm oil. The lowest value of FFA obtained indicates that bleaching increases the shelf life of the oil and makes it more suitable for soap making.

Comparison of adsorption properties of a cellulose-rich modified rice husk for the removal of methylene blue and aluminum (III) from their aqueous solution

In this study, a novel bio-adsorbent which is based on rice husk and jointly modified by steam explosion and NaOH treatment has been prepared for recycling of waste water. The structural characteristics of adsorbent were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Our results showed that combined modified rice husk powder (CRH) followed the Langmuir model for methylene blue (MB) and Al (III) adsorption, and the maximum uptake of MB for CRH was 50.15 mg g−1 and the maximum uptake of Al (III) for CRH was 2.87 mg g−1. In addition, the adsorption rate of Al (III) by CRH is faster than that of MB. The adsorption mechanism of MB mainly includes pore filling, π-π interaction, and electrostatic attraction, while the adsorption mechanisms of Al (III) are surface complexation, n-π interaction and ion exchange. These results indicated that CRH is an effective, low-cost cleaner and has a higher adsorption capacity for organic pollutants.

PRODUCTION AND QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF AUTOMOBILE COMPOSITE PART (EXHAUST PIPE SUSPENDER) FROM NATURAL RUBBER FILLED WITH CHEMICALLY TREATED RICE HUSK

The research is on the manufacture of automobile part (exhaust suspender) from natural rubber filled with chemically treated rice husk powder. Rice husk were obtained from a mill in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria and shared into four parts. They were separately treated with 10% benzoyl chloride, 10% sodium hydroxide and 10% hydrogen peroxide and one part was untreated. The various samples were ground, filtered, analyzed in terms of FTIR and SEM then used in compounding natural rubber. The rubber vulcanizates were vulcanized and the mechanical properties were determined. The FTIR results show the reduction in hemicellulose and lignin content for the treated rice husk while the SEM micrograph showed a finer structure for the treated rice husk. This may suggest stronger reinforcement observed in the composites filled with treated filled. There was improvement in mechanical properties of the composites. This show that chemically treated rice husk is a potential substitute for other fillers for automobile exhaust suspender or foot mat and oil seals.

Study on Mix Proportion Design and Compressive Strength of Environment-Friendly Three-Admixture Concrete

In this paper, the environment-friendly three-admixture concrete was prepared by using straw powder (rice husk powder) to replace cement by 6% and 8%, silicon powder by 10% and fly ash by 20%, respectively, and the effects of straw powder (rice husk powder), silicon powder and fly ash on the compressive strength of concrete were studied. Through the comparative analysis of the compressive strength of 9 groups three-mixed concrete blocks, the compressive strength of concrete reached the highest when the content of straw powder (rice husk powder) was 6%. On the basis of the current mix design formula of ordinary concrete, the strength formula of environment-friendly three-mixed concrete with correction coefficient was given, and the optimum substitution amount of straw powder (rice husk powder) was put forward.

Experimental Study on Freeze-Thaw Properties and Thermal Conductivity of Green and Environment-Friendly Three-Admixture Concrete

Using straw powder (rice husk ash), fly ash, silicon powder and other three admixtures to prepare concrete can improve the ecological environment and promote the reuse of agricultural and industrial wastes. In this paper, 9 groups of freeze-thaw specimens and 9 groups of thermal conductivity specimens of green and environment-friendly three admixture-blended concrete were prepared with corn, wheat and rice husk powder, replacing cement with straw powder by 6% and 8% respectively and replacing cement with fly ash by 20% and silica fume by 10%. The test results show that the mass loss rate of the concrete ranges from 0.8% to 1.4% and from 3.5% to 4.4% after 25 and 50 freeze-thaw cycles, respectively. The thermal conductivity of the concrete falls within the range of 0.2901 w/(m· K)-0.5834 w/(m·K), which is suitable for the existing building reconstruction and new construction projects in cold and severe cold areas.

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.

Experimental study on Mechanical Properties of green and environmental friendly self-compacting recycled concrete

By replacing cement with 5% of ground rice husk powder, 4% of corn stalk powder and 30% of fly ash, and replacing natural aggregate with 25% recycled aggregate, the Mechanical Properties of green and environment-friendly self-compacting recycled concrete were studied. The experimental results show that the early strength of the concrete is lower than the common self-compacting concrete. However, the strength of 56 days is up to the design requirement and the volume stability is good. According to the test value of the compressive strength of the concrete block, the curve equation of the relationship between the compressive strength and the age is put forward, and it provides a reference for similar concrete mix proportion design.

Analysis of rice husk ash concrete utilization in construction field

Abstract Typical artifact in bond is every asset & vitality serious material. Handling for bond Moreover emits carbonic corrosive gas done environment. In this way they will be diminishing this natural contamination & esteem from claiming average fabricating materials, Different materials in ash, ground coarse blast-furnace dross, metakaolin, rice husk powder (RHA) Also silicon dioxide seethe may be utilized much appreciated will their pozzolanic conduct. RHA that holds secondary silicon dioxide content constructed through controlled smoldering about rice husk will a chance to be utilized likewise supplementary building material (SCM) done cement creation since it exhibits pozzolanic aspects and contributes should quality Also impermeableness from claiming cement. This paper displays a framework of the worth of effort apportioned on the usage about RHA Likewise fractional reinstatement from claiming bond previously; cement What's more its outcome for workability, compressive quality Furthermore chloride porous for concrete.

Mechanical and biological behaviour of porous Ti–SiO2 scaffold for tissue engineering application

The present work reports a cost-effective way of fabricating porous Titanium (Ti)/Silica (SiO2) composite scaffold with tailored pore microstructure through powder metallurgy technique, considering the aspect of implants where low bearing load is required with low elastic modulus. Rice husk (RH) powder of different size range was used as fugitive pore former and sucrose was used as a binder which also acted as a pore former. The porosity of the scaffold was controlled by varying the size and amount of space holder. After sintering, the developed composite scaffold was characterized through SEM, XRD, and EDS. Mechanical and biological testing of the scaffold were performed to determine mechanical and biological properties. The resulting scaffolds have the porosity in the range of 15–34%. The addition of silica from RH increased the compressive strength of the scaffold (116–396 MPa). It was also observed that due to the incorporation of pores in Ti matrix there was reduction in Elastic Modulus of the scaffold which is significantly important for Ti based implant materials. Bioactivity of the scaffold was examined by using SBF solution and it was found that the Ti/SiO2 scaffold has ability to form apatite layer. Antibacterial behaviour and biofilm formation on the surface of scaffold were also studied. Obtained result was compared with the properties of natural bone. It was found that the properties of the developed Ti/SiO2 composite scaffolds are similar to that of natural bone and hence can be suitable for orthopaedic application.

Comparative Effects of Rice and Melon Wastes on Sitophillus Zeamais, Storage Pest of Maize Grains in Nigeria

World’s calories supply from maize accounts for 20% but global postharvest grain loss caused by insect pests was estimated to be 10%. Control is mostly by synthetic insecticides with consequences such as insect resurgence and resistance and negative effect on non- target organisms. Maize grain losses to weevils are so enormous that effective local solution has to be sought. Thus this research aimed at assessing the effectiveness of powders and ash of rice husk and melon shell in controlling Sitophillus zeamais (Mots) in stored maize. Four treatments, Rice husk powder (RHP), Rice husk ash (RHA), Melon shell powder (MSP) and Melon shell ash (MSA) were applied at eight levels of 0 - 2.0 g 20 g-1 maize grain in three replicates. Five pairs (males and females) of freshly emerged S. zeamais were introduced into each treatment. Mortality test was carried out on the insects at 48 and 96 hours after introduction. Germination test was conducted on ten randomly selected grains after weevil emergence. Significantly higher (p≤0.05) mortality was recorded in treated seeds than the control. Virtually 100% mortality of S. zeamais was attained in both RHA and MSA treated maize in 96hrs at all application rates. Mean adult emergence in maize treated with both RHA and MSA were zero, with no weight loss like those of grains treated with standard control of P. guinensis. Also maize grain treated with Rice husk ash (RHA) and Melon shell ash (MSA) recorded a mean WPI of zero irrespective of application rates as in P. guinensis. The mean percentage germination of maize grain was significantly higher (p≤0.05) in P. guinensis than those recorded on treatments, while germination of treated maize is higher than the control. Thus rice husk and melon shell are effective alternatives to insecticides against S. zeamais in stored maize.

Effect of Additives on Rheological Properties of Water

Agriculture is one of the main consumers of freshwater products. The challenge of draughts is a major obstacle to the progress of agriculture. In the present study, the rheological properties of the water have been modified to change the flow properties. For the preparation of rice husk powder, a prototype of a machine is proposed. Rice husk powder and starch are used to modify the viscosity. Six samples are prepared using rice husk and starch in varying proportions. The rheological properties are measured at a shear rate of 0-200. The presence of powdered material has significantly altered the viscosity of the water.

Treatment of petroleum hydrocarbon-polluted groundwater with innovative in situ sulfate-releasing biobarrier

Petroleum hydrocarbons are commonly found pollutants in groundwater at industrial and gas station sites. Enhanced bioremediation is a cost-effective approach to cleanup petroleum hydrocarbon-polluted groundwater. The applicability of using sulfate-reducing biobarrier on the containment and control of petroleum-hydrocarbon plumes were assessed by batch and column studies. The innovative in situ biobarrier contained sulfate-releasing materials (SRMs) for a long-term sulfate release to enhance anaerobic petroleum hydrocarbons biodegradation with sulfate reduction mechanisms. SRMs were developed by blending rice husk powder (or starch) (used as permeability increment materials), magnesium sulfate (used as a source of sulfate), and polylactic acid (PLA) (used as a binder) together using a kneader. The mixed components were smelted to form pasty liquid at 190 °C, and it was transferred to a cylinder container to form SRMs. A column study was used to investigate the effectiveness of developed SRMs on the treatment of a methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and toluene contaminated groundwater. The optimal sulfate release rate was achieved when the mass ratio of sulfate/starch/PLA was 0.5/0.5/2 [sulfate release rate (mg.d−1.g−1) = −0.009 × release period (d) + 3.4 (mg). Approximately 70% of MTBE and 92% of toluene could be remediated via sulfate reduction processes because the released sulfate from SRMs were served as electron acceptors, which promoted the growth of sulfate reducers. The next generation sequencing data suggest that bacterial strains with sulfate reduction and petroleum hydrocarbon biodegradation functions were detected after SRM supplement. Evidences of sulfate reduction of toluene and MTBE included (1) increased concentrations of sulfate and sulfide, (2) decreased concentrations of toluene and MTBE, (3) production of tert-butyl alcohol (degradation byproduct of MTBE), and (4) increased sulfate-reducing and petroleum-hydrocarbon bacteria. The biobarrier system containing the SRMs can be developed into a pragmatic technology for in situ remediation of petroleum-hydrocarbon plumes.

Tensile and flexural behaviour of rice husk and sugarcane bagasse reinforced polyester composites

In the present work, the natural composites based on sugarcane bagasse fiber and Rice husk powder were processed using hand layup technique. The matrix selected was polyester. The composites prepared with 0%, 3%, 5%, 10%, volume fraction rice husk with 10% sugarcane bagasse. The mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural were investigated as per ASTM standard. Test results are investigated and shown the better ratio composites.

Fabrication of open type carbonizer for the preparation of activated carbon from rice husk

Activated carbon has been prepared from rice husk using laboratory fabricated open type carbonizer. The raw rice husk powder was named as RRH whereas chemically activated rice husk was named as CARH. Both samples were characterized by methylene blue number (MBN), iodine number (IN) and surface area. The MBN and IN of RRH was found to be 83 mg/g and 415 mg/g whereas CARH was 99 mg/g and 716 mg/g respectively which indicate the presence of mesoporosity and microporosity of the samples. The surface area of RRH was found to be 206 m2/g while CARH was found to be 531 m2/g. XRD analysis showed that the prepared materials were amorphous with some crystalline state while FTIR spectra showed the presence of different functional groups such as hydroxyl, carbonyl, Si-O-Si bond and aromatic group on the material. The adsorption properties of prepared samples were studied by using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Langmuir adsorption isotherm model was found to be best fitted. It showed that prepared materials have homogenous surface with monolayer type of adsorption. The maximum monolayer coverage (Qm) for RRH was found to be 55 mg/g and for CARH 143 mg/g. Thus, results revealed that laboratory fabricated low cost open type carbonizer is suitable for the preparation of activated carbon.
 BIBECHANA 18 (2021) 10-18

Thermochemical Characterization of Rice Husk (Oryza Sativa Linn) for Power Generation

Rice husk is biomass that can be utilized as fuel for biomass gasification as a renewable energy source. In this paper, thermochemical methods were used to determine the higher heating values, moisture content, bulk density, pellet density, microstructure, and elemental composition of Thai Rice Husk (Oryza Sativa Linn). The heating energy was analyzed using a bomb calorimeter, which showed a higher heating value of 15.46 MJ/kg. Determination of pellet density through rice husk powder pelletization exhibited a value of 1.028 g/cm3, while moisture content was 5.017 wt%. The heating value and moisture content revealed good agreement with the literature values, indicating the potentiality of rice hush for energy generation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the raw rice husk and its ash have similar porosity types but different bulk structure. Elemental analysis using energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) indicated that rice husk contains O, Si, C while O and C percentages were drastically decreased during combustion. The obtained heating value and moisture content proved that rice husk could be used as a bio-energy source in biomass gasification for power generation.

Shewanella baltica strain JD0705 isolated from the mangrove wetland soils in Thailand and characterization of its ligninolytic performance

Abstract. Chantarasiri A. 2021. Shewanella baltica strain JD0705 isolated from the mangrove wetland soils in Thailand and characterization of its ligninolytic performance. Biodiversitas 22: 354-361. Lignin is a complex biopolymer and the third component by mass of lignocellulosic plant biomass. Its recalcitrant property hampers the hydrolysis and utilization of cellulose and hemicellulose in the lignocellulosic biomass. Thus, the delignification of lignocellulosic biomass is an enormous challenge for emerging bio-based applications. This study presented a potential ligninolytic bacterium for potential use in the biological delignification process under mild conditions. This bacterium was isolated from the mangrove wetland soils in Thailand, characterized and identified as psychrotrophic Shewanella baltica strain JD0705. It was determined for ligninolytic activity and showed laccase activity at 5.23 ± 0.10 U/mL. The optimum temperature and pH for the laccase activity were observed to be 25°C at a pH of 7.0 respectively with a stability range of 20-30°C temperature and pH of 7.0-8.0. S. baltica strain JD0705 was used in the biological delignification of rice husk powder and promoted the hydrolysis of rice husk powder to obtain more liberating sugar content. The findings from this study indicated that feasibility of using this ligninolytic bacterium for the production of laccase and the delignification of lignocellulosic plant biomass.

Effect of rice husk powder as a binder on mechanical and thermal properties of ZrO2 hollow-fiber refractory bricks

ZrO2 hollow-fiber bricks are a type of thermal-insulation product with low density and thermal conductivity. ZrO2 hollow-fiber bricks made with Zr-sol as the high-temperature binder have poor strength; therefore, it is necessary to find a binder that can overcome these challenges. Rice husk contains a large concentration of amorphous SiO2, because of which it can be used as a binder for ZrO2 hollow-fiber bricks. After treatment, rice husk powder was added to the ZrO2 hollow fibers as a high-temperature binder, which formed ZrO2 hollow-fiber bricks after sintering. The densities and thermal conductivities of these ZrO2 bricks prepared at 1300 °C were unaffected by the rice husk-derived binder, while the compressive strengths increased by 285% compared with that of the Zr-sol binder.

Experimental Investigation on Bricks by Using Cow Dung, Rice Husk, Egg Shell Powder as a Partial Replacement for Fly Ash

The usage of solid waste materials in the production of construction materials has received considerable attention across the world. Various types of bricks are used in construction. The most common are conventional bricks. Owing to the exploitation of large amount of natural resources in the manufacturing of conventional bricks, we provide an alternative solution for conventional bricks through this project. The present study investigates the feasibility of using rice husk powder, cow dung and egg shell powder in the manufacturing of fly ash bricks. Fly ash bricks of different compositions with rice husk, cow dung and egg shell powder were prepared in steel moulds. After casting, the brick samples were stored at 35 C and a relative humidity of 50% until the ages required for testing. The brick samples were checked for dimensions and visible defects. The effects of rice husk, cow dung and egg shell powder contents on the engineering properties of the solid bricks were also investigated. The test results showed that all brick samples exhibited good compressive strength. The compression strength ranged between. It is concluded that the manufactured bricks acquired sufficient strength and became more economical.

Adsorption Study of Cadmium (II) and Lead (II) On Rice Husk

Rice husk was used as an adsorbent for the removal of Cd (II) and Pb (II) from aqueous solution. The effects of contact time, pH, concentration, agitation speed, and dose on the removal of Cd (II) and Pb (II) have been evaluated. Our result shows that rice husk powder has high reduction efficiency for both metals. Results showed that low-cost adsorbents can be fruitfully used for the removal of heavy metals with a concentration range of 30–40 g/l. The percentage removal of heavy metals was dependent on the dose and concentration of Rice husk. The contact time necessary for maximum adsorption was found to be 35-40 min. The optimum pH range for heavy metal adsorption was 4–8.