Potential of application of Rice Husk Ash (RHA) on magnesia cements for abrasive tools production

ABSTRACT

Magnesia cements are frequently used for the production of abrasive composites based on silicon carbide (SiC) to polishing ornamental rocks or porcelain stoneware tiles, but, currently, it has lost market share for polymer matrices that use synthetic diamond as abrasive. In this sense, despite the low cost of the magnesian matrices, there is a need to improve this technology through of materials, such as the addition of the rice husk ash (RHA) showed in this study. The addition of silica in the production of abrasive materials is an alternative for improving the polishing effect and durability of these composites. In Brazil, the production of amorphous silica from the controlled burning of rice husks may represent a lower cost alternative and, thus, collaborate in the development of abrasive matrices based on magnesium oxide. In this research, magnesia cement technology was recovered together the addition of (RHA) to meet not only the technical requirements for its application in abrasive tools, but also to collaborate in sustainable solutions by using a silica from renewable sources. Thus, the developed matrices were analyzed for compressive and flexural tests, Mohs hardness and dimensional stability, to verify their mechanical performance and durability. Additionally, X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyzes complemented the study to identify the formed phases and verify the feasibility of applying these compounds in the production of abrasive materials.

Keywords
Abrasive Tools; Sorel Cement; Magnesia Cement; Rice Husk Ash