Since epoxy resins are used as composite matrix with excellent results, and silica is one of the fillers most often employed, this study compared the performance of rice husk ash (RHA) as filler in epoxy composites, in replacement for high-purity silica. Composites were molded containing 20%, 40%, and 60% (wt) silica or RHA. Viscosity analysis, infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well as mechanical and water absorption tests were carried out to evaluate composites. Glass transition temperature after curing and thermal degradation temperature of all samples analyzed were approximately 140 ºC and 370 ºC, respectively. RHA and silica exhibited similar mechanical and water absorption characteristics, indicating that rice husk ash may be a suitable replacement for silica. SEM imaging showed good filler dispersion and distribution in the polymer matrix, highlighting the more effective adhesion interface between RHA particles and the matrix.

As a byproduct of the combustion of rice husk to generate energy, rice husk ash (RHA) is formed by silica and carbon, apart from small amounts of other constituents. Several treatments can be used to increase the purity of the silica obtained, or even produce pure silica. The present study tested the efficiency of different techniques to obtain silica, characterizing and comparing the silicas obtained from RHA. A literature review was conducted, and then selected techniques were used to produce silica, which was characterized by XRF, XRD, particle sizing, specific weight, specific surface area, total carbon, and SEM. The literature review showed that most techniques include a pretreatment like acid or alkaline leaching followed by thermal treatment to increase the amount of silica produced by reduction of carbonaceous materials. The results showed that it is possible to produce silica from RHA using simple methods, and that these produced silica with purity above 98%. The treatments that afforded the best results were acid leaching followed by thermal treatment at 800ºC, and alkaline extraction at low temperature, with silica purity of 99.3% and 99.6%, respectively.

RESUMO A cinza de casca de arroz (CCA) é um resíduo proveniente da combustão da casca de arroz utilizada como biomassa na produção de energia. Esta cinza é gerada em grandes quantidades e possui baixa massa específica, o que dificulta o seu gerenciamento, pois demanda muito espaço para o devido armazenamento e descarte. A CCA possui um elevado teor de sílica em sua composição, fator este que pode torná-la um material atrativo para vários segmentos industriais. Neste contexto, este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar a influência do beneficiamento físico da cinza de casca de arroz, por meio de processos de segregação granulométrica e moagem, com e sem o uso de aditivos, nas características deste material e na sua adequação como coproduto. A metodologia experimental utilizada para o desenvolvimento deste trabalho envolveu a segregação e moagem da CCA (com e sem aditivos de moagem), caracterização química, física e estrutural das amostras de CCA bruta, segregadas e moídas. Os resultados obtidos indicam que a segregação granulométrica se apresenta como fator determinante para a utilização da CCA como coproduto. Com relação à moagem, pode-se verificar que o diâmetro médio das partículas diminui e a massa específica das amostras aumenta, com o aumento do tempo de moagem. Entretanto, verifica-se que os aditivos usados neste trabalho, nas concentrações testadas, não influenciam significativamente na redução do diâmetro das partículas.

ABSTRACT The rice husk ash (RHA) is a residue from the rice husk combustion used as biomass in energy production. This ash is generated in large amount and due to its low density it makes complicate its management, in addition it demands a lot of space for proper storage and disposal. The RHA has high silica content in its composition, a factor that may turn it in an attractive material for several industries. In this context, this work aims to evaluate the influence of physical processing of rice husk ash through the sieve segregation processes and grinding with and without the additives use, the characteristics of this material and its suitability as a co-product. The experimental methodology used to develop this work involved the segregation and grinding of the RHA (with and without grinding additives), chemical, physical and structural characterization of samples raw-based RHA, segregated and ground. The results indicate that the particle size segregation presents as a determinant factor for the use of RHA as coproduct. With regard to the grinding, it can be seen that the average diameter of the particles decreases and the density of the samples increases with increasing milling time. However, it appears that the used additives did not significantly influence the reduction of particle diameter in the concentrations tested.