Abstract
Agricultural and industrial wastes are global environment problem. The ashes of agricultural wastes like rice husk are recognized as having pozzolanic properties. In this study, many types of ashes obtained from agricultural and bio wastes, such as dead tree leaves (AML), waste cut grass (Korai, Tifton, native shiba), groundnut shell (GNT), wheat straw (WSI, WSJ), were evaluated for their possible pozzolanic potential. Many trials were made to determine the optimum burning conditions with respect to residue ash and carbon contents. Ashes then obtained were further investigated by Thermo-gravimetric analysis. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that ashes obtained at 600°C/5hrs burning condition contained more amorphous matter than ashes obtained at 800°C/5hrs burning condition. Mineralogical analysis proved that AML, having high contents of calcium along with significant amount of silica, can be treated as high calcium ash. Ashes from Korai grass and native shiba have significant presence of silica and have the potential of a pozzolanic material.
