Professional Documents
Culture Documents
By
Jecino, Alejandro F.
Researchers
Research Adviser
September 2015
1
ABSTRACT
Rice hull ash has several industrial and economic uses. However, some people who do
not know of some other uses of rice hull ash; they just gather it at their backyard forming a big
pile. It is said that though rice hull ash has many uses, it cannot still match up the too big
volume of rice hull ash produced every day. To settle this problem, several researches are
conducted providing essential uses to the community similar to this study which investigates
the possibility of using rice hull ash as an additive to dishwashing product. This study focuses on
the suitability of rice hull ash as an additive since it contains a natural absorbent property.
This study was conducted since rice hull ash is readily available and somehow people
treated as waste in other communities. There was five set up prepared in all including the 30%
rice hull ash, 20% rice hull ash, 10% rice hull ash, dishwashing liquid alone and rice hull ash
alone. The result was rated using Hedonic scale and the researchers get all the average mean
for the five samples. It has been proven in the results that rice hull ash alone did not work out
well, but ones applied to dishwashing liquid, it becomes more effective than the dishwashing
liquid itself.
In an analogy, rice hull ash works better ones added to dishwashing liquid than
that of alone. Furthermore, the effectiveness increases as the level of concentration also
increases.
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3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract ………………………………………………………………………………
Chapter I.
Chapter II.
Chapter III.
Methodology ………………………………………………..………….….
Chapter IV.
4
Results and Discussion ……………………………………………………
Chapter V.
Summary …………………………………………………………………..
Conclusion …………………………………………………………………
Recommendation ………………………………………………………….
Bibliography ………………………………………………………………………
Appendices ………………………………………………………………………...
Appendix E ………………………………………………………………..
5
LIST OF APPENDICES
6
LIST OF FIGURES
7
LIST OF TABLES
8
CHAPTER 1
The technological trend towards waste utilization and cost reduction in industrial
processing has attracted use of rice hull as a value added material. Both rice hull and rice hull ash
has been found suitable for wide range of domestic as well as industrial applications.
Considering the importance and increasing demand of this material, a systematic study based on
properties and industrial applications has been carried out and reviewed in this paper. Potential
and suitability of RH for use in possible new areas in near future has also been highlighted
(Kumar, A., Mohanta, K., Kumar, D., & Parkash, O., 2012)
Rice hull is one of the most widely available agricultural wastes in many rice producing
countries around the world. Globally, approximately 600 million tons of rice paddies are
produced each year. On average 20% of the rice paddy is hull, giving an annual total production
of 120 million tones. In majority of rice producing countries much of the husk produced from
processing of rice is either burnt or dumped as waste. Burning of rice hull in ambient atmosphere
leaves a residue, called rice hull ash. For every 1000 kilograms of paddy milled, approximately
220 kilograms (22%) of husk is produced; and when this hull is burnt in the boilers, about 55
kilograms (25%) of rice hull ash is generated. Rice husk removal during rice refining, creates
disposal problem due to less commercial interest. Also, handling and transportation of rice hull is
problematic due to its low density. However, rice hull ash is a great environment threat
causing damage to land and surrounding area where it is dumped. Therefore, commercial use of
9
rice hull and its ash is the alternative solution to disposal problem (Kumar, A., Mohanta, K.,
On the other hand, Proctor and Gamble, Inc. (2015) mentioned that the primary purpose
of dishwashing detergents (also known as light duty liquids, LDLS) is to remove soils, mainly
food material residues, for kitchen ware surfaces, including dishes, pots, pans, utensils and a
wide range of other items. Although dishwashing detergents can be traced to ancient times, the
first modern day liquid hand dishwashing detergent or dishwashing agent is a surfactant that
removed oils and dirt accumulated detergent was developed in the 1940’s.
Moreover, companies nowadays often make use of additives to their products especially
those with high benefits. Many researchers try to study for the possibility of organic materials as
Colman, J.M.A., Barrameda, J.P.S., & Garcia R. (2013) studied about the possibility of
orange peels as an additive to their DYL dishwashing liquid. Orange peels act as a natural
solvent cleaner because it contains d-lim0nene, which is used in a wide variety of cleaning
Some communities in Eastern Visayas specifically in areas with rice mill are using rice
hull ash as a dishwashing material. Rice hull ash is composed of opaline silica and lignin (edited
In a nutshell, the researchers intend to study the possibility of using rice hull ash as an
10
Statement of the Problem
The main concern of this study is to test effectiveness of rice hull ash as an additive to
commercial dishwashing liquid in terms of removing oil and dirt on plastics containers.
1. How effective is the rice hull ash effective in increasing the effectiveness of dishwashing
1.1 smell
1.2 texture
2 How effective is the rice hull ash as a dishwashing agent additive at varying levels of
concentration?
2.1 30%
2.2 20%
2.3 10%
Null Hypotheses
1. The rice hull ash is not effective in increasing the effectiveness of dishwashing liquid in
terms of:
1.1 smell
1.2 texture
2 The rice hull ash rice hull ash is not effective at varying levels of concentration as follows:
2.1 30%
11
2.2 20%
2.3 10%
Dishwashi
Rice hull ng liquid
ash with rice
Dishwashi Collect all the
hull ash
ng liquid materials
Dirt needed
sample Weigh the rice
Used oil hull ash and
measure
dishwashing
liquid in its
percentage
Mix rice hull ash
with
dishwashing
liquid
Do the
experiment
Evaluation
12
Significance of the Study
The following can be the benefits of using rice hull ash as an additive ingredient in the
To the community. If proven to be effective; rice hull ash can be used by the community as
for dishwashing. The use of rice hull ash will be economical since rice hull ash is readily
To the industry. Industries can further study if rice hull ash can be used as an additional
active ingredient in making dishwashing soap, paste or liquid. Nowadays, industries are actually
making use of activated carbon in making products such as toothpaste, facial wash, toothbrush
and others.
To the researcher. Further researches can be conducted if rice hull ash can be used as an
additional additive to their products. They are also research on the effectiveness of adding rice
The researchers focused mainly on the use of rice hull ash as a potential additive to
Moreover, the gray color ashes were collected in a rice mill located at Brgy.
Pagsulhugon, Zone 3, Babatngon Leyte. The effectiveness was based on the following criteria:a)
13
The researchers gathered respondents to rate the effectiveness of different the different
concentration. Moreover they were given an observation sheet to record the observation of
individual respondents.
This research did not cover studying the substances present on rice hull ash. This study
did not also include studying the possible effects of rice hull ash in human health specifically on
skin.
Definition of Terms
The following terms are defined operationally for the readers to fully understand the
Additive – the rice hull ash which is added or mixed with dishwashing liquid
Rice hull ash – completely burned rice hull, used as the additive in the Joy
dishwashing liquid.
14
CHAPTER II
There are several researches providing facts and support about the several of benefits and
Related Literature
In the Philippines where rice is the state crop, rice hull “ipa” or “tahop” as they are
locally known for is a common sight with a variety of uses. Some people use rice hull ash as a
Carbonized rice hull is produced through regulated burning of raw rice hull with the
absence of oxygen so that it will not be converted to ash. Carbonized rice hull is found to be
sterile and free from disease organisms. It has been highly recommended as an ideal for brooding
chicks in poultry instead the usual raw rice hull. Moreover it was observed that chicks grown on
carbonized rice hull, grow faster and they are healthier because there is no proliferation of
harmful organism that can cause respiratory disease and diarrhea (Rural Development
Administration, 2012).
Furthermore, based on a comparative life style assessment of uses of rice husk for energy
purposes based on the variable data and assumptions made for this study, the results show that
the use of rice husk in both electricity and cellulosic ethanol options had a significant effect in
reducing the impact on fossil fuel depletion and climate change, when compared with the
conventional process. However, the use of rice husk in both options caused a slightly higher
impact on particulate matter formation than the conventional process. In addition, it was found
15
that using husk to produce cellulosic ethanol caused a considerably greater impact on human
toxicity than its conventional product. (Prasara, J., & Grant, T., 2011)
In addition, rice hull ash has been found to be useful in farming, as follows: a) it produces
more profuse tillers, b) it is easy to pull out without damaging the roots which can be adoptable
in the field readily during the transplantation process c) it can be very useful in growing high
value vegetables and herbs even they are grown in containers and d) it is also useful in
ornamental horticulture industry because it minimizes fungal infection that has plagued the
industry (http://affleap.com/is-carbonized-rice-hull-beneficial-to-farmers/).
Furthermore, the enzyme breakdowns the nutrients found in manure into simpler forms
that could be readily absorbs by plants. When brooding is over, the litter would become an
carbonized rice hull ash when combined with organic fertilizer or composed can be applied to a
hectare of land preparation. This will make the land not only more porous for better plant, it will
also enable the soil to retain the moisture much longer which is advantageous when there is a
Activated carbon from burned rice hull filters the dirty particles in water, making it
effective in purifying household drinking water. Carbonized rice hull is also effective in treating
Rice hull ash can is also used as pest control material. With its natural black color, burned
rice hull retains heat from the sun. It also contains silica that irritates the snail that infest rice
fields. When applied after leveling, snails are forced to come out, making handpicking faster and
easier (http://affleap.com/is-carbonized-rice-hull-beneficial-to-farmers/).
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Despite the many uses of rice hull ash, this cannot still match up the too big volume of
rice hull that the rice miller are producing, so for them it remains as a big disposal issue.
However, rice millers who lack knowledge on the other uses of rice hull consider it as a waste
product (http://affleap.com/is-carbonized-rice-hull-beneficial-to-farmers/).
Related Studies
In a research conducted by Habeeb. G. A., & Mahmud, H.B. (2015) and Zain, M.F.M,
Islam. M.N., & Jamil, M. (2011) have studied the properties of rice husk ash and its use as
cement replacement material. It has found out that combustion period, chilling duration, and
grinding process and duration are important in obtaining rice hull ash of standard fineness and
quality. In addition, air ducts in the furnace are very useful in order to supply air for proper
Additionally, there is a study on rice husk and its ash as low-cost absorbents in water and
waste water treatment. The results showed that it is evident from the review that rice husk and its
ash can be potentially utilized for the removal of various pollutants from water and waste waters
On the other hand, Malhotra, C., Patil, R., Kausley, S., & Ahmad, D., (2012) investigated
the novel uses of rice husk ash (a natural silica-carbon matrix) in low cost water purification
applications. The study showed that the rice husk ash is used as the base material for developing
novel compositions to deal with the challenge of purifying drinking in low-income households in
India. For example, rice husk ash cast in a matrix of cements and pebbles can be formed into a
filtration bed which can trap up to 95% of turbidity and bacteria present in water. This
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innovation was proliferated in villages across India as a do-it-yourself rural water filter. Another
innovation involves embedding silver nanoparticles within the rice husk ash matrix to create a
bactericidal filtration bed which has now been commercialized in India as a low-cost-for-profit
household water purifier. Other innovations include the impregnation of rice husk ash with
aluminum hydroxide for the removal of fluoride ions from water which together have the
potential to benefit over a million people across India who are suffering from the health effects
Lastly, adsorption capacity of the pyrolyzed rice husks was determined in respect of
water, oil and petroleum products with different densities. The material obtained by pyrolysis of
rice husk has very good buoyancy characteristics, high oil sorption capacity and high
hydrophobicity. The influence of the bulk density of the sorbent has been investigated as well as
that of the density of the oil product on the kinetics and mechanism of sorption. It was
established that the dependence between the bulk density of the adsorbent and the height of
penetration of the oil in it for a specified time is inversely proportional. The height of penetration
of the sorbate in the sorbent layer depends on the density of the liquid phase. The changes of the
adsorption rate for the various oil products can be described by hyperbolic dependence. A
correlation between surface functional groups and morphology of the adsorbent and adsorption
properties of the material was created. The research provides the basis for development of a new
environmental material with optimal characteristics, providing efficient adsorption of oil and oil
products from aqueous medium (Angelova D., Uzunova, S., Gigova, A., Minchev L., 2011)
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CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
In order for the researchers to achieve their goals, it is essential to have a sound
methodology for the study. In this chapter, the researchers described the design of the research
study, the equipment used, and the procedure done in doing the experiment. Additionally,
statistical treatment of the study is presented by which give the data needed for this study.
Research Design
This research utilized an experimental method, particularly the single group design. In
this study, the design was employed in determining the effectiveness of rice hull ash as an
The researchers aimed to test the possibility of rice hull ash as an additive to
commercially available dishwashing agents. The gray color ashes of rice hull were gathered at
The researchers made use of Joy® dishwashing liquid for the study which was bought
from a store.
19
Using a small weighing scale, the mass of the rice hull ash needed for the three
concentrations were measured. The volume of the pure dishwashing liquid was measured using a
graduated cylinder. The measurements for rice hull ash and dishwashing liquid were as follows:
Moreover, two more samples were included in the study – sample 4, dishwashing liquid
2. Plastic Containers
Fifteen plastic containers of the same size and shape and with covers were used by the
researchers. The plastic containers were first thoroughly washed using dishwashing liquid and
water before they were used for the experiment. The containers were then labeled with 1, 2 and 3
which corresponds to three trials. Different colors were also used to identify the different
samples.
The researcher made use of used oil and food leftovers from the residence of one of the
researchers located at Barangay 97, Cabalawan, Tacloban City. Using a spatula, one scoop of the
used oil and two scoops of the food leftover were applied to the plastic containers and then
covered. Moving the plastic containers, the oil and food leftover was spread to the containers. It
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Sample Color Coding
Sample 1 (30% rice hull ash) Violet
Sample 2 (20% rice hull ash) Pink
Sample 3 (10% rice hull ash) Green
Sample 4 (dishwashing liquid only) Light green
Sample 5 (rice hull ash only) Blue
4. Respondents
There were thirty (30) respondents who made an observation on the plastic containers.
They residence are near the vicinity of the school and were of varied sexes and age. An
observation guide was provided to the respondents. They evaluated the plastic containers in
terms of smell, texture and removal of food particles using the hedonic rating scale. Instructions
were provided to the respondents before they were allowed to have their observation.
4. Procedure for Determining the Effectiveness of Rice Hull Ash as an Dishwashing Additive
21
Figure 1. The effectiveness of rice hull ash in varying levels of concentration
Statistical Tool
The researchers utilized the mean in this study in determining the effectiveness of the rice
hull ash which is based on observation to make comparison of its effectiveness at varying levels
of concentration. Two-way analysis of variance was used in this study in determining whether if
(a) there is a significant difference in the experimental group of this research study which is the
rice hull ash and if (b) there is a significant difference between the experimental group and the
22
The collection and gathering of data was done right after the experiment has
accomplished. The respondents then conducted an observation on the smell, texture, and removal
of food particles on the plastic containers. Each observation of individual respondents was then
recorded in an observation sheet with a 1 to 9 rating which known as the Hedonic rating scale,
where 1 is like extremely and 9 is dislike extremely. The mean values was then computed for all
the trials in every sample. The analysis of results and experiment are presented below.
7 6.5
5 Sample 1
4 Sample 2
3.2
3 2.4 2.6 Sample3
1.97 Sample4
2
Sample 5
1
0
Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample3 Sample4 Sample 5
Figure 3. Comparison of the Mean Values for smell for 1) 30%, 2) 20%, 3) 10% Concentrations
of Rice Hull ash, 4) Dishwashing Liquid Only and 5) Rice Hull Ash Only.
This data presents the mean for the hedonic rating scale values for the smell for the
different concentrations of rice hull ash in dishwashing liquid, dishwashing liquid only and rice
hull ash only. Results show that sample 1 (30% rice hull ash) got the highest favorability rating
average of 1.97. It was followed by sample 2 (20% rice hull ash) with a mean value of 2.4,
sample 3 (10% rice hull ash) with an average of 2.6, sample 4 (dishwashing liquid only), having
a 3.2 average favorability, and the lowest was sample 5 (rice hull ash only), with a mean value of
6.5.
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8
6.9
7
6
Sample 1
5
Sample 2
4
3.3 Sample 3
2.8
3 2.5 2.4 Sample 4
2 Sample 5
0
Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4 Sample 5
Figure 4. Comparison of the Mean Values for texture for 1) 30%, 2) 20%, 3) 10%
Concentrations of Rice Hull ash, 4) Dishwashing Liquid Only and 5) Rice Hull Ash Only.
This graph lays out the modest mean for the hedonic rating scale values for the texture for
different concentrations of rice hull ash in dishwashing liquid, dishwashing liquid only and rice
hull ash only. Based on the above graph, sample 2 (20% rice hull ash) got the highest likeness
rating averaging to 2.4. It was followed by sample 1 (30% rice hull ash) with a mean value of
2.5. Sample 3 (10% rice hull ash) had an average of 2.8, sample 4 (dishwashing liquid only), had
a 3.3 average favorability value and the lowest was sample 5 (rice hull ash only), the mean value
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8
6.8
7
6
Sample 1
5
Sample 2
4
Sample 3
2.99
3 2.47 Sample 4
2.27 2.24
2 Sample 5
0
Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4 Sample 5
Figure 5. Comparison of the Mean Values for Removal of Food Particles for 1) 30%, 2) 20%, 3)
10% Concentrations of Rice Hull ash, 4) Dishwashing Liquid Only and 5) Rice Hull Ash Only.
This information displays the mean for the hedonic rating scale values for the removal of
food particle for different concentrations of rice hull ash in dishwashing liquid, dishwashing
liquid only and rice hull ash only. The graph indicates that sample 2 (20% rice hull ash) got the
highest likeness rating mean equal to 2.24. It was followed by sample 1 (30% rice hull ash) with
an average value of 2.27. Third was sample 3 (10% rice hull ash) which had an mean of 2.47,
followed by sample 4 (dishwashing liquid only), with a 2.99 mean favorability value and the
lowest was sample 5 (rice hull ash only), the mean value of which is equal to 6.8.
Discussion
The result of this study is in accordance with the study conducted by Angelova D.,
Uzunova, S., Gigova, A., Minchev L. (2011) where in the adsorption capacity of the pyrolyzed
rice husks was determined in respect of water, oil and petroleum products with different
densities. The material obtained by pyrolysis of rice husk has very good buoyancy
25
characteristics, high oil absorsorption capacity and high hydrophobicity; but in this study rice
hull ash was used to obtain its potential and its natural absorbent for liquid and adsorbent for
solid.
Likewise in the study by Colman, J.M.A., Barrameda, J.P.S., & Garcia R. (2013) in
which they used orange peels as an additive to their DYL dishwashing liquid rice hull in this
On the other hand, carbonized rice hull is produced through regulated burning of raw rice
hull with the absence of oxygen so that it will not be converted to ash. It is also found to be
Lastly, the unusually low acceptance value for rice hull ash only may be due to the fact
that the researchers did not use their hands in washing the plastic containers. Rather, they
allowed the samples to spread the plastic containers then set aside for a few minutes, before they
were washed using running water. However, in actual practice, due to the high abrasive property
of rice hull and its ash, using even rice hull only is capable of removing dirt and oil even better
than dishwashing liquids as affirmed by the communities using rice hull ash, although such only
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CHAPTER 5
Summary
It has been said that the technological trend towards waste utilization and cost reduction
in industrial processing has attracted use of rice hull as a value added material. Both rice hull and
rice hull ash has been found suitable for wide range of domestic as well as industrial
applications. While their rice hull is one of the most widely available agricultural wastes in many
rice producing countries around the world. Globally, approximately 600 million tons of rice
paddies are produced each year. However, despite the many uses of rice hull ash this cannot still
match up the too big volume of rice hull ash every year.
In this study the effectiveness of rice hull ash as a dishwashing additive was tested using
three different levels of concentration, 30%, 20%, and 10%. Furthermore, it was found out
through this study that in general, the favorability or acceptance value dishwashing liquid with
rice hull increases as the concentration increases, except for texture and removal of food particles
where sample 2 had a higher mean than sample 1, although the difference cannot be considered
significant. Moreover, results show that the acceptance levels of the mixtures of dishwashing
liquid and rice hull ash is higher compared to dishwashing and rice hull ash alone.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the results implies that the rice hull ash works best when it is combined with
was observed that the dishwashing liquid with the highest concentration of rice hull ash got the
highest overall mean and favorable result. However, rice hull ash alone did not work in removing
27
oil and food particles accumulated on a used plastic containers since the researcher did not exert
force, causing the rice hull ash to not absorb most of the oil.
In addition, it must be noted that in general, the effectiveness of rice hull ash in removing
Furthermore, force must be applied when using rice hull as a separate material in order for it
absorb most of the oils. It was observed that the three experimental variables with different
concentration of rice hull ash are better than that of dishwashing liquid alone.
Through a set of analysis, it is clearly evident that the dishwashing product increase in its
effectiveness with greater level concentration of the rice hull ash as an additive.
Recommendation
The researchers’ credits that this study is no less a threshold or steppingstone for further
researches related study to be conducted in the coming generations. This study was not bounded
to the related field of science like botany, chemistry, medicine, physics and microbiology. As
stated in the previous chapters, the search for a more economic, yet effective rice hull ash as any
additive material to any products with or without relating to dishwashing. Rice hull ash has
become one the radically increasing amount of agricultural waste in the Philippines and some
other countries. The study was conducted and its natural absorbent property is utilized and
From the findings and conclusions of the study, the researches thus recommend the following
actions:
1. The results of the experiment are done in a better place for the data gathering that is highly
recommended. Furthermore, the researchers keep out of the limits and escaped from the
variables that could intervene the results of the experiment. Besides, accurate data gathering,
28
measurement is settled with safety and accuracy on as the design was. (World Health
2. The different kinds of burned rice hull are then recommended to determine which of them is
more effective and suitable as an additive to any material to be studied depending on the use
which is intended.
3. The chemical substances present in rice hull ash are being considered the base of the study
since there is already several background of rice hull ash studies identified as a proven
natural absorbents for oils and chemical as one of its main property.
4. The effectiveness of rice hull ash may also be studied in comparison to the commercial
product with a natural absorbent property to determine which of them is faster in terms of
absorbing most of the oils with varying densities. Since the researcher is the one responsible
for washing plastic containers, the researchers were able to witness natural absorption rice
hull ash to oils. Rice hull with greater level of concentration, in average, has the greater
effectiveness. However, the researcher did not study the effect of rice hull ash and its effect
5. The possible side effects of rice hull ash (or its property) to human health and to the
environment could also be researched including its proper uses and accurate applications, if
needed. The toxic substance in rice hull could be studied as somehow, some people do not
Definitely, further researches can be done even for rice hull ash alone, its property,
effects and most efficiently its uses. The totality of this research is then widely open for all
29
researches. The researcher are in positive way that the rice hull ash could no longer be
treated as waste and discard, instead, a n effective material so may uses in it.
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APPENDIX 1: HEDONIC RATING SCALE FOR EVALUATION OF SMELL, TEXTURE
Name (optional):_______________________________
Date: _______________________________________
Direction: Evaluate the cleanliness of the plastic containers in terms of smell, texture and
presence of food particles. Use the hedonic scale rating below for evaluation.
Concentration Level:_______
SMELL
The containers free
from foul odor.
TEXTURE
The container are free
from oily texture.
FOOD PARTICLES
The plates are free
from food particles and
debris.
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NCE/ FAVORABILITY LEVEL OF SMELL, TEXTURE AND REMOVAL OF DIRT OF THE
PLASTIC CONTAINERS
Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4 Sample 5
Acceptance/
30% Rice 20% Rice 10% Rice Dishwashing Rice Hull
Favorability Level
Hull Ash Hull Ash Hull Ash Liquid Only Ash Only
Trial 1 1.8 2.1 2.7 3.3 6.4
Smell
Particles
of Food
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