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Research Article
Preparation and Characterization of Rice Husk Ash and Carbon from Combustion of Raw Rice Husk
Alegbe Monday John*,
Moronkola Bridget Adekemi,
Oyesomi Aisha,
Felix Boluwatife Blessing,
Agboola Olugbenga Ayodeji,
Adekolurejo Ezekiel,
Ejoh Augustine
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
41-51
Received:
27 November 2025
Accepted:
20 February 2026
Published:
14 March 2026
Abstract: Rice production is a significant agricultural activity worldwide which provides food for human consumption and the generation of large amounts of raw rice husk (RRH) as a by-product in which the disposal has become a serious environmental concerns. The aim of this study is to prepare and characterize rice husk ash (RHA) and rice husk carbon (RHC) produced from raw rice husk (RRH). The RHA and RHC are prepared from of RRH by burning of RRH in a muffle furnace at varying temperature by combustion process. The RRH, RHA and RHC samples were characterized and quantified using analytical techniques such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), Scanning- Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). The TGA results revealed that RRH, RHC and RHA samples have thermal stability at temperature which range from 222.40-327.6°C. The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) results identified four mineral phases for the samples RRH, RHC and RHA. The SEM images of the RRH, RHC and RHA samples revealed the spherical irregular particle morphology with different particle sizes and some agglomeration. The TEM further revealed the morphology of RRH, RHC and RHA to be spherical shape with particle sizes of 17.2 nm, 9.96 nm and 5.33 nm respectively. The FTIR adsorption spectra shows the stretching adsorption bands of functional groups in RRH, RHC and RHA with stretching and bending peaks of the samples from one form to another. The XRF results revealed the elemental composition of the samples RRH, RHC, and RHA revealed the elemental composition of SiO2, Al2O3, CaO, MgO, and Fe2O3. In conclusion, the RRH, RHC and RHA samples shows that products of the burning process have a higher quality than the raw samples.
Abstract: Rice production is a significant agricultural activity worldwide which provides food for human consumption and the generation of large amounts of raw rice husk (RRH) as a by-product in which the disposal has become a serious environmental concerns. The aim of this study is to prepare and characterize rice husk ash (RHA) and rice husk carbon (RHC) p...
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Research Article
Geotechnical and Physical Characterisation of Alluvial and Lateritic Unfired Clays from Kadey (Eastern Cameroon) for Ceramic Applications
Mbita Mbita Clyf De Vilier*,
Gnepie Takam Nicolas Wilfred,
Matuam Balbine,
Ntouala Roger Firmin Donald,
Edoun Marcel
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
52-61
Received:
12 February 2026
Accepted:
28 February 2026
Published:
16 March 2026
Abstract: This study presents a geotechnical and physical characterization of eight alluvial clays and one lateritic clay from Batouri, eastern Cameroon (GPS coordinates: N 04. 42773°, E 014.36563°), to evaluate their suitability for pressed tile manufacturing. The sampled materials were dried, crushed, and sieved prior to analysis. The test program consisted of determining true density, bulk density, porosity, particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, and methylene blue value. The results indicate a significant variability in particle size distribution: sand content ranged from 29.31 to 85.9 wt.%, silt from 7.7 to 47.88 wt.%, and clay from 6 to 58.05 wt.%. Plasticity Index (PI) values varied between 6.7% and 33.38%, reflecting substantial differences in clay workability and pressing behavior. Methylene blue values, ranging from 0.53 to 2.23 g/100g, suggest variations in water absorption capacity and reactivity. The measured true density of the clays fell between 2.47 and 2.67 g/cm³, while bulk density and total porosity ranged from 1.53 to 1.68 g/cm³ and 34.08 to 42.56%, respectively. These findings demonstrate that while some clays are suitable for direct use in pressing, others require property optimization through blending or treatment. This study provides the first comprehensive geotechnical database for alluvial and lateritic clays from the Kadey region specifically for pressed tile applications, offering essential reference data for local ceramic industry development and establishing preliminary selection criteria for raw material formulation.
Abstract: This study presents a geotechnical and physical characterization of eight alluvial clays and one lateritic clay from Batouri, eastern Cameroon (GPS coordinates: N 04. 42773°, E 014.36563°), to evaluate their suitability for pressed tile manufacturing. The sampled materials were dried, crushed, and sieved prior to analysis. The test program consiste...
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Research Article
Mineralogical and Geotechnical Properties of Clayey Vertisols from Northern Cameroon: To Provide a Scientific Basis for Future Stabilization and Engineering Applications
Jabin Pagouo*,
Bertin Pagna Kagonbe,
Etienne Yanne,
Raïdandi Danwe
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
62-72
Received:
16 February 2026
Accepted:
2 March 2026
Published:
17 March 2026
Abstract: This study presents an integrated geotechnical, mineralogical and geochemical characterization of clayey Vertisols developed under Sudano-Sahelian climatic conditions in northern Cameroon, with the aim to provide a scientific basis for future stabilization and engineering applications. Representative Vertisol samples were collected from the North and Far North regions and investigated using standard geotechnical tests, chemical analyses, and mineralogical identification by X-ray diffraction. The results reveal clay-rich materials dominated by fine fractions, with textures ranging from sandy clay to sandy heavy clay, and displaying low to high plasticity indices, reflecting strong smectitic influence. Geochemically, the Vertisols are characterized by high SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ contents, moderate to high Fe₂O₃ levels, elevated CIA values (57–83%), and significant cation exchange capacities, indicating advanced chemical weathering under seasonally contrasted tropical conditions. Mineralogical assemblages are composed by smectite, kaolinite, illite, quartz and K-feldspars, confirming both pedogenetic clay formation and inheritance from parent materials. These combined characteristics explain the pronounced shrink–swell behavior and vertic features observed in the field. Overall, the studied Vertisols exhibit physicochemical properties that make them promising raw materials for sustainable construction applications and environmental uses, if appropriate stabilization strategies are implemented to mitigate their expansive behavior.
Abstract: This study presents an integrated geotechnical, mineralogical and geochemical characterization of clayey Vertisols developed under Sudano-Sahelian climatic conditions in northern Cameroon, with the aim to provide a scientific basis for future stabilization and engineering applications. Representative Vertisol samples were collected from the North a...
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Research Article
Geotechnical and Mineralogical Characterization of Hydrocyclone-classified Iron Ore Tailings: Implications for Storage Facility Stability
Abdul Ahmed Koroma*
,
Victor Sorie Kamara,
Zakaria Mohammed Barrie
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
73-79
Received:
22 February 2026
Accepted:
10 March 2026
Published:
30 March 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijmsa.20261502.14
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Abstract: This study investigates the geotechnical and mineralogical properties of iron ore tailings (IOT) samples—comprised of feed, hydrocyclone overflow, and underflow streams—collected from the Marampa Mines Limited (MML) Tailings Storage Facility (TSF). The primary objective was to quantify how hydrocyclone classification fundamentally alters the physical and mechanical behavior of segregated tailings for structural applications. Laboratory investigations, conducted in accordance with ASTM standards, included specific gravity, particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, one-dimensional consolidation, and consolidated-drained (CD) triaxial shear strength tests. Results demonstrate highly effective material segregation; the underflow was classified as Silty Sand (SM) with a significantly higher specific gravity (Avg. 3.26) compared to the finer, flaky particles in the overflow (Avg. 2.97). All samples were determined to be non-plastic. Mechanical testing indicated that the underflow achieved a superior maximum dry density (1990 kg/m³) and an enhanced effective angle of internal friction (ϴ’) of 38°, suggesting significantly higher shear strength for embankment construction. X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis confirmed that iron (Fe) concentration was highest in the underflow (38.711%), while silicon dioxide (SiO2) dominated the overflow (50.047%), correlating mineral density with geotechnical performance. While stable under compacted conditions, the non-plastic nature of these materials necessitates strict drainage management to mitigate potential stability loss upon saturation. These findings provide critical baseline parameters for the design and safety assessment of modern IOT storage facilities.
Abstract: This study investigates the geotechnical and mineralogical properties of iron ore tailings (IOT) samples—comprised of feed, hydrocyclone overflow, and underflow streams—collected from the Marampa Mines Limited (MML) Tailings Storage Facility (TSF). The primary objective was to quantify how hydrocyclone classification fundamentally alters the physic...
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