Bamboo leaves as an alternative source for silica in ceramics using Box Benhken design
O. Olawale
Abstract
This study investigated the optimization of bamboo leaves as a source of silica for use in ceramics. Box Benhken design was used to study the interactions of three (3) variables namely: Temperature 400-700°C, Time: 2-7 h and Amount of bamboo leaves (BL) :2-6g. Optimal process level obtained was validated by confirmatory experiment. The silica obtained was characterized using X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The result of the Box Benhken design generated 17 experimental runs. The optimal level observed were: Temperature: 600°C, Time: 4.50h; and BL: 5g. The result via the lowest Loss of Ignition and silica from the validated experiment were analysed using XRD and SEM. The result of the XRD showed a highly reactive amorphous nano silica was observed from the optimal process levels with high Specific surface area (915.33 m2/g BET). Furthermore, result gotten from SEM showed agglomerated colloidal spheres of nano silica. It was observed that optimizing bamboo leaves is a viable process for converting a waste into a highly reactive silica for manufacture of ceramics.