UTILIZATION OF RICE HUSK ASH FOR COMPOSITE PANEL

ABSTRACT Rice husk ash is used as a siliceous material to produce a composite panel with acoustic thermal insulation properties. The rice husk ash has about 90% of silica content. Sound absorption coefficient = 0.79 (at 2 KHz) Coefficient of thermal conductivity = 0.184-0.224Wm-1K-1

Introduction Rice husk can be utilised as a source of renewable energy. Calorific value = 15MJ/kg Micronised RHA contained high silica. This study explored the use of RHA to produce a lightweight sodium silicate thermal insulation composite material.

MATERIAL FORMULATION AND PROCESS RHA is used as a siliceous material. The mixture of RHA and sodium silicate solution placed in a 50 mm cube mould at a predetermined depth subjected to elevated temperature in a furnace

EXPERIMENTAL Study on experimental production of the insulating composite and the determination of : density compressive strength thermal conductivity Sound absorption coefficient

EXPERIMENTAL Sodium silicate composite The RHA was mixed with sodium silicate solution in a ratio of 1:3 by weight. filled into a cube mould at about one-third of its depth furnace at 350C for 3 hours.

EXPERIMENTAL Lees’ disc method suitable for measuring the thermal conductivity of poor conductors. constructed from three aluminium discs. The heating element was sandwiched between the first and second disc and the test specimen was placed between the second and third disc. The discs and test specimen were clamped together firmly with the heating element and were then placed on the stand.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The micronised RHA specific gravity of 2.21 moisture content of 1.28% specific surface of 1050.8 m2/kg. bulk density of RHA is approximately 498 kg/m3.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION RHA composite Density = 400 to 450 kg/m3. Compressive strength = 1.65 to 1.85 MPa. The composite was found to have a coefficient of thermal conductivity ranging from 0.184 to 0.224 Wm-1K-1.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The low compressive strength is unsuitable for use on its own. The inclusion of expanded polystyrene and polyurethane will be experimented to enhance its strength and insulation properties. The effect of spray applied coating on its surface hardness and the acoustic thermal insulation properties will also be studied.

CONCLUSION Sodium silicate 90% SiO2 RHA Composite density ranging from 400 to 450 kg/m3. compression strength was between 1.65 to 1.85 Mpa. coefficient of thermal conductivity = 0.207 Wm-1K-1 low compressive strength makes it more suitable for use as an acoustic thermal insulation composite material.