Optimisation of the Physical Properties of Rice Husk Ash in Ceramic Materials Using the Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

Optimisation of the physical properties of rice husk ash (RHA) in ceramic materials was carried out using Response Surface Methodology. The independent variables, namely the firing temperature and residue content, were statistically combined in a Central Composite Design with the effects on water absorption, linear shrinkage, bulk density, apparent porosity and apparent specific gravity determined. Physical and microstructural analyses were carried out to obtain information on the processes that occurred within the ceramic materials. The results obtained were analysed to determine the optimum physical properties of the ceramic materials within the range investigated. The residue content had a significant influence (at 95% confidence level) on the bulk density, water absorption, apparent porosity and apparent specific gravity but not on the linear shrinkage. The firing temperature had a more significant effect on the linear shrinkage than on the residue content, so that when elevated it contributed to an increase in linear shrinkage. The optimum residue content and firing temperature to enhance physical properties within the range investigated were 5.85% RHA and 1029.64°celsius, respectively. These optimal conditions are expected to produce a ceramic material with a bulk density, linear shrinkage, apparent porosity, water absorption and apparent specific gravity of 1.64 g/cm3, 0.29%, 0.29 g/cm3, 18.26% and 2.11, respectively with a composite desirability of 100%.

Optimization of Bacillus Licheniformis DSM13 for Biosurfactant Production Using Response Surface Methodology

“…Glycolipids, lipopeptides and polymeric biosurfactants are the three major groups of biosurfactants. Biosurfactants have many advantages over conventional surfactants, including their ease of renewability, large-scale production, economic viability, cheaper substrates, more significant degree of foaming, good selectivity, turbidity, good biocompatibility, effectiveness at high temperatures or pH levels, chemical diversity and environmentally-friendliness [7]- [8]. Biodegradation is one of the most effective methods for combating environmental degradation mainly as a result of petroleum hydrocarbons, which pose a significant danger to ecosystems.…”