14 July 2009
Rice husks for carbon-neutral concrete
Posted by Cecilia under: Economy; Environment .
Rice husks are the cases surrounding edible kernels of rice. Research has shown these husks could be used as a concrete substitute, which in turn could reduce carbon dioxide emissions related to cement production.
The breakthrough was made thanks to a new way of processing rice husks. Rice husks are normally burned after being separated from the kernel. The existing incineration process produces an ash too high in carbon to be useful as a cement substitute.
A team of researchers, in collaboration with ChK Group Inc. of Plano TX, found that heating the rice husks to 1,472 degrees Fahrenheit in an oxygen-free furnace produces fine particles nearly free of carbon.
Through this process rice husks become a very useful material in the effort to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide in the concrete industry. A pilot operation to test and refine the process is currently underway.
Considering that every ton of manufactured cement emits a ton of carbon dioxide, this new technology could be a real breakthrough for reducing a huge amount of CO2 emissions worldwide.
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Today in Sikantis – July 14, 2009 « Sikantis Says:
14 July 2009 at 1:49 am.
[...] Innovative News – Rice husks for carbon-neutral concrete [...]
