STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISATION OF ASPHALT-RICE HUSK SILICA COMPOSITES

Abstract

This research characterises the structure and micro-structure of asphalt-silica composites heated to a temperature of 150 °C, as well as their physical and mechanical properties. The asphalt and silica mass ratios were varied into 10:90, 15:85, 20:80, 25:75, 30:70 and 35:65. The characterisation of the asphalt-silica composite was performed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results of the XRD studies show that the main phases are amorphous silica and carbon, which are linked to the functional groups of silicon hydroxide, silicon dioxide and alkanes. The other results show that the reduced water absorption, compressive strength, and density are caused by the increased porosity and swelling thickness with an increasing amount of the added asphalt. Asphalt-silica composites with asphalt addition from 10 to 20% experience insignificant changes in compressive strength, water absorption, and swelling thickness. These results prove that asphalt has a significant impact on the phase of silica, making it have the potential to replace light steel roofing devices.

Keywords

• rice husk
• silica
• asphalt
• microstructure
• thermal
• structure