Applications of Rice Husk Ash Silica – A Guide

Rice husk disposal is a big concern for farmers and millers all over the world. When rice husk is used as a fuel in a boiler, it produces rice husk ash (RHA). RHA is a waste product that comprises 60 to 80 percent amorphous silica (SiO2), which is used in a variety of industries. Rice husk ash, unlike other industrial by-products, is made from agricultural waste.

Because of the abundance of RHA generated from combustion, it is worthwhile to use the properties of silica developed from RH and RHA. RHA silica can be used to make special concrete mixes. There is a growing demand for fine amorphous silica in the production of special cement and concrete mixes, high-performance concrete, high strength, low permeability concrete, for use in bridges, marine environments, nuclear power plants, etc.

Bee Chems is a popular rice husk ash silica manufacturer that has developed economical, eco-friendly, easy ways of extracting high-purity silica from RH/RHA. Rice husk ash silica are used in steel industries, agro-industries, etc. Adding rice husk silica to concrete mix even in low replacement can dramatically enhance the strength of concrete by 10-20%. RHA silica helps develop excellent water-resistant properties and is used in waterproofing compounds that can reduce water penetration by as much as 60%.

Properties of rice husk ash silica

High pozzolanic activity causes the strength and durability of concrete to be enriched

A potential green resource

A useful technique for waste disposal and utilization

Energy effective

Applications of rice husk ash

Silica generation:

The ash generated can be stored for silica extraction.

Electricity generation:

The steam generated is utilized in a steam turbine which generates electricity. Electricity generated is consumed for mill requirements.

Environment-friendly:

Any industry that uses rice husk as fuel for cogeneration can benefit from this technology

Steel Industry

Some factories used RHA sprinkle to prevent rapid cooling of the iron and steel so uniformly.

High strength concrete

Use as an ingredient in the manufacture of high-strength concrete.

Benefits of precipitated silica generated from rice husk ash

Precipitated silica from rice husk ash is from a bio source and is non-toxic

Precipitated silica is extracted from waste hence nullifying the raw material cost

Lowers the heat of hydration by as much as 30%

Help reduce chloride ion penetration by as much as 50%

Promotes a better working condition for those working with concrete

Packaging Options

250 Kg. HDPE barrels

1000 Lts. IBC/Tote tanks

20-25 metric tonnes in ISO tankers

20-25 metric tonnes in Flexi tanks

The company also provides custom packaging options for special requirements.

Lithium Silicate in Concrete: A User’s Guide

Lithium silicate is a chemical compound that uses lithium to act as a transport agent for silica that is used in a variety of industries. Lithium silicates form a highly stable ratio, low viscosity solution that once dried, is relatively insoluble compared to other silicate compounds. It’s most used for concrete surface treatment, specialty paints and coatings, and refractory ceramic and glazes.

Lithium silicates have a higher melting point and are added to sodium and potassium silicates to improve their adhesion properties. Lithium disilicate is used to manufacture crowns in dentistry and as a corrosion inhibitor in the marine industry. It can also be used as a bonding agent in fiberglass. Bee Chems supplies lithium silicates for use as a concrete hardener and sealer. Still, we have stocks of different lithium compounds on hand.

How Does Lithium Silicates Work in Concrete Applications?

Lithium Silicate is applied to polished concrete floors as a liquid coating. The liquid penetrates between four and five millimeters into the concrete, reacting with calcium hydroxide, a byproduct of mixing the concrete powder with water. The reaction produces calcium silicate, which settles in the concrete’s pores, close to the surface.

This reaction makes the surface of the concrete denser, more durable, and more resistant to stains. The appearance and texture of the concrete are also smoother with a silicate coating. Lithium elements act to transport the silica into the concrete. This reaction between the silica and the calcium hydroxide is what improves the properties of the concrete surface.

Why should You Use Lithium Silicate in Concrete?

You could use sodium and potassium silicates for a similar effect. They also cost less than lithium silicates. There are many reasons that lithium is preferred to sodium or potassium. Here are a few benefits of using lithium silicate in concrete:

·         Lithium silicates only take around six hours to dry, whereas sodium takes about 24 hours to dry

·         Only one coat of lithium silicate is needed

·         Lithium silicates are less soluble when dried.

·         Lithium silicates are less alkaline than alternatives, making them more environmentally friendly

·         Lithium is more reactive than sodium or potassium, so it supports a higher concentration of silica

·         Less residue to dispose of reduces costs

If you want to buy lithium silicates, you can check out Bee Chems’ website for more information. The company offers a wide range of construction chemicals to customers across the globe. For many years, the organization is among the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of industrial chemicals to all industries worldwide. In addition to lithium silicates, the company provides a plethora of other chemicals including moisture-free packaging services, as well as a molecular sieve, oxygen absorber packets, pharmaceutical desiccants, molecular sieve, and many more.