Blended Use of Corn Cob and Rice Husk Ashes in Sustainable Mortar Production

Authors : Mohamad Srormalah, Özgür Ekincioğlu

Pages : 185-207

Doi:10.60093/jiciviltech.1789979

View : 106 | Download : 269

Publication Date : 2025-12-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The use of agricultural and industrial by-products in sustainable material production has become an increasingly attractive strategy for waste management with growing environmental awareness about the possible adverse effects of waste materials. Therefore, the partial replacement of cement by mass with corn cob ash (CCA) and rice husk ash (RHA) to develop sustainable mortar composites was investigated in this study. A three-phase experimental program was conducted, including (i) pozzolanic activity assessment, (ii) optimization of CCA–RHA mix ratio, and (iii) evaluation of mechanical and durability properties at various blended replacement levels (5–20% by mass). Key tests such as compressive and flexural strength, XRD, TGA, and SEM showed enhanced cementitious performance with 5–10% cement replacement. RHA accelerated early pozzolanic reactions, while CCA contributed to long-term durability. Microstructural analyses indicated reduced calcium hydroxide (CH) content and increased calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) formation. Results show that blended agricultural ashes offer effective SCM potential and contribute to sustainability by utilizing waste materials.
Keywords : İkincil Bağlayıcı malzeme (SCM), Tarımsal Atık, Mısır Koçanı Külü, Pirinç Kabuğu Külü, Puzolanik Aktivite

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