Rice husk ash utilization, composition and properties: A brief review

Asian countries rely massively on rice to feed and sustain its massive population. For long the staple food has provided nourishment to the masses and the classes. Rice is grown in large quantities in Asian countries. A by-product of its cultivation is its husk. The husk of the rice grain is mainly utilized as a fuel for the boilers in the rice mills. The uncontrolled burnt rice husk referred to as rice husk ash consists majorly of silica. silica is used in a wide variety of commercial and industrial applications. Use of rice husk ash in various products serves to reduce the pollution caused by its pileup in localities especially close to the rice mills. More sustainable and an affordable source of Si would benefit the society rather than disposing rice husk ash in the fields and landfills. This brief review provides insights into the synthesis, applications, and properties of rice husk ash incorporated products either directly in the as received conditions or under modified conditions.