Analysis of potential pozzolanic ash from rice husk (CCA) using the technique of Rietveld refinement

Rice husk ash (RHA) is an agricultural by-product with well-known pozzolanic properties. However, the widespread commercial use of RHA is hindered by the lack of consistency between batches of this material and by the lack of quick and inexpensive quality control parameters. This study presents some basic principles for the quantification of the amorphous phases of RHA with the assumption that mineralogic characterization with X-ray diffraction can be a good quality control method for use residual or controlled ashes. The samples in this study were prepared with a lithium fluoride (LiF) standard and phase quantification was carried out using Rietveld's refinement method. The analysis of the phases was successfully conducted and results were satisfactory, with maximum relative standard deviation of 5%. These results show that quantitative analysis by Rietveld refinement can be used in the characterization of construction waste.

rice husk ash; Rietveld's refinement; amorphous materials; construction waste