Utilization of corn husk ash and medicine vial production wastes in cement

Mesci Oktay B., Geyikçi F., Uğuz G.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, cilt.23, sa.2, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

Özet

This study investigated the use of organic waste corn husk ash (CHA) and medicine vial production wastes (MVPWs) in cement production. Corn husks were converted to ash as a silica compound, and waste glass powder was obtained from MVPWs. CHA was characterized by using Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) techniques., confirming the presence of silica (Si-O and Si-O-Si). SEM-EDX results showed uniform dispersion of silicon atoms, indicating an amorphous structure. XRD detected the crystallization phase of silica, and FT-IR spectra showed bands indicating the presence of Si-O and Si-O-Si bonds. Sixteen cement samples with 1%, 1.5%, and 2% CHA and MVPWs were prepared and tested for compressive strength. The highest compressive strength (52.09 MPa) was achieved with 1.5% CHA and 2% MVPWs. The mathematical model showed that 1.5% MVPWs had the highest positive effect on compressive strength (3.70%), while 2% CHA had the lowest positive effect (2.25%) by experimental Design. Other additive ratios hurt strength. Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was used to examine the microstructures and structural integrity of the samples.