RICE HUSK ASH AS SAND REPLACEMENT AND

CHICKEN FEATHER AS REINFORCEMENT

IN THE MIXTURE OF CONCRETE

A Research Study
Presented to the Faculty of
Integrated School - Senior High School
Batangas State University
The National Engineering University
Batangas City

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the
Research III

By:
Maranan, Deanielle Grace P.
Marasigan, Wayne Emerson A.
Marbibi, Yzabelle Lorienne B.
Magyawe, Daniel G.

2023
 ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

TITLE PAGE................................................................................................ i
TABLE OF CONTENTS.............................................................................. ii
LIST OF TABLES……………………………………………………………….. iv
LIST OF FIGURES....................................................................................... v

CHAPTER

I. THE PROBLEM
Introduction...................................................................................... 1
Background of the Study.................................................................. 2
Statement of the Problem................................................................ 3
Conceptual Framework.................................................................... 4
Conceptual Paradigm....................................................................... 5
Hypothesis of the Study.................................................................... 6
Scope and Limitations of the Study.................................................. 6
Significance of the Study.................................................................. 8
Definition of Terms............................................................................. 8

II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Conceptual Literature....................................................................... 11
Related Literature............................................................................. 22
Synthesis.......................................................................................... 26

III. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design.............................................................................. 29
Materials and Equipment................................................................. 30
Subject of the Study…............................................................ 32
Data Gathering Instrument...................................................... 32
Data Gathering Procedure....................................................... 33
Statistical Treatment of Data.................................................... 35
Schematic Diagram………….................................................... 36

IV. PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

Properties of Each Sample in Terms of Compressive Strength
and Water Absorption …………………….............................. 37
Differences of Each Sample in Terms of Compressive Strength,
and Water Absorption............................................................. 39
 iii
Production of Concrete Containing Rice Husk Ash and Chicken
Feathers……………............................................................... 42

V. SUMMARY, FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary……….............................................................................. 43
Findings..……….............................................................................. 44
Conclusions…….............................................................................. 44
Recommendations........................................................................... 45

BIBLIOGRAPHY .......................................................................................... 46

APPENDICES

CURRICULUM VITAE
 iv

LIST OF TABLES

Table no. Title Page

1 Set ups for Experimental and Control Concrete Specimen 31

2 Compressive Strength 37

3 Water Absorption 38

4 Result of Statistical Treatment for Compressive

Strength Difference of the Samples 39

5 Result of Statistical Treatment for Water Absorption

Difference of the Samples 41
 v

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure no. Title Page

1 Conceptual of Rice Husk Ash as Sand

Replacement and Chicken Feather as
Reinforcement in the Mixture of Concrete 4

2 Schematic Diagram of Procedure and Testing of

Concrete Set Up 36
 vi

Chapter I
THE PROBLEM AND IT’S BACKGROUND

This chapter deals with the presentation of the problem. Specifically, this presents

an introduction, the background of the study, objectives of the study, conceptual

framework, scope and limitations of the study, significance of the study, and definition of

terms.

Introduction

Among the agricultural waste produced in the country are feathers from chickens

and rice husks. Large-scale solid waste issues are caused by the annual production of

billions of pounds of wasted feathers by chicken processing plants. Costly and labor-

intensive technologies are used to recycle chicken feathers traditionally. They are often

recycled into subpar animal feeds, incinerated, or buried in landfills. However, these

disposal methods are either constrained or environmentally harmful greenhouse gasses

are produced. The Philippines' richest agricultural waste is rice husk, on the other hand.

The majority of the 1.8 million metric tons gathered each year are used as cooking fuel or

soil resupply, accounting for only 5% of the total amount. Either the ruin is set ablaze or is

allowed to rot. As the situation of the environment deteriorates by the second, tropical

storms, tremendous winds, and other devastating disasters might hit at any time,

destroying our houses. We would need materials, specifically bricks that can withstand

calamities continuously.

The majority of houses in the Philippines are made of wood since it is less

expensive and more economical. Contrarily, one of the major components of concrete,

asphalt, and glass is sand. In concrete hollow blocks (CHB), for instance, sand is utilized

in significant quantities with cement to sand volume ratios of 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, or 1:9. Sand

became a popular building material in the twentieth century, which led to an exponential

rise in demand for the material. In order to address this issue, the building, engineering,
 2

and architectural sectors are researching potential sand substitutes for concrete, such as

bamboo and other recyclable materials. Furthermore, when the country's economic

growth slows as a result of the pandemic, people, particularly the lower class, may struggle

to create low-cost, long-lasting homes that can withstand a range of calamities. This begs

the issue of what we will do to help both sectors and all citizens during this natural disaster.

A study is needed to analyze the viability of rice husk ash as a substitute to sand

and chicken feathers as reinforcements in concrete mixture.

Background of the Study

The Philippines is one of the top producers of rice in the world which also equates

to a large production of rice husk waste. There are a few measures taken in disposing of

these wastes: burning it and leaving it to rot. A study found that just 5% of the 1.8 million

metric tons of rice husk harvested each year was used effectively. Meanwhile, Sand

became a popular building material in the twentieth century, which led to an exponential

rise in demand for the material. In order to address this issue, the building, engineering,

and architectural sectors are researching potential sand substitutes for concrete, such as

bamboo and other recyclable materials. Furthermore, when the country's economic

growth slows as a result of the pandemic, people, particularly the lower class, may struggle

to create low-cost, long-lasting homes that can withstand a range of calamities.

While on the other hand, Poultry is the most progressive animal business in the

Philippines today according to the Department of Science and Technology. It is one of the

largest and fastest meat manufacturers in the world while it has been an important

contributor to the agriculture sector in the Philippines that causes the feather waste to pile

up as time goes by. Traditional techniques for recycling chicken feathers are expensive

and time-consuming. They are usually burnt, buried in landfills, or recycled into low-quality

animal feed. These disposal alternatives, however, are either limited or emit greenhouse

gasses that damage the ecosystem.

 3

This said issue inspired the researchers to conduct a study replacing sand with

rice husk ash and adding chicken feathers as reinforcement in concrete mixture for an

improved material structure for constructing establishments. In this study, it is viable to

reduce agricultural waste management while simultaneously benefiting the country's

construction industry.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to minimize the waste of rice husk, and chicken feathers. Each

year, chicken processing facilities create billions of pounds of discarded feathers, creating

a significant solid waste issue. Only 5% of the 1.8 million metric tons of rice husk harvested

annually, are put to good use, mostly as fuel for cooking or soil improvement. Either the

ruins are set on fire or are left to decay. The researcher’s goal is to produce ready-to-use

concrete mixture that are more practical and usable than regular concrete mixture with the

use of rice husk ash and chicken feathers as sand replacement to make concrete bricks.

Specifically, this study aims to answer the following :

1. What are the measured physical differences between the proposed concrete brick

mixture of 1:5.3:7 cement, rice husk, and chicken feathers and the conventional

concrete brick mixture of 1:6 cement to sand ratio in terms of;

1.1. Compressive strength;

1.2. Water absorption?

2. Is there a significant difference between the proposed concrete mixture of

1:5.3:0.7 rice, husk, sand, and chicken feathers ratio and the standard concrete

brick mixture of 1:6 cement to sand ratio.

3. What can be produced from a concrete mixture containing rice husk ash and

chicken feathers?

Conceptual Framework
4
INPUT
Materials Use:
Cement
Chicken Feathers
Rice Husk
Chicken Feather Properties:
low density
high flexibility
resiliency
warmth retention
improve the strength
and longevity of concrete.
resistant to decay
Rice Husk Properties:
It has a silica
content of 94-96% plus
about 5% alumina, which
makes it highly
pozzolanic.
Amorphous silica is
excellent as a filler to
enhance the interface
transition zone and to
generate more dense
concrete.
With a very high
specific surface area, it is
light weight, very porous,
and porous.
Figure 1: Conceptual of Rice Husk Ash as Sand Replacement and Chicken Feather
PROCESS OUTPUT
Collecting of the
waste. A proposed concrete
Washing and drying
the feathers.
While waiting for the mixture that highlights
feathers top dried up, the
rice husk will be burned at
as Reinforcement in the Mixture of Concrete
about 600°C until it is the use of Rice Husk
turned into ash.
After the feather is
dried up, the feathers are Ash as Sand
ground into finer sizes in a
food processor.
Prepare the cement
Replacement with
as well as the rice husk
sand and chicken feathers
together with the
Chicken Feathers as
equipments to be used.
Mixed both
processed waste with the
reinforcement.
cement prepared.
Add water then
mixed until the wanted
consistency is reached.
Pour it to the PVC
pipe and leave it to dry.
Compressive
Strength;;
Water Absorption
 5

Conceptual Paradigm

The conceptual framework summarizes how the study will proceed. It is made up

of the variables and precise steps that demonstrate how the researchers reach the

anticipated outcome that will act as a solution to the stated problem. The researchers

made the decision to use the Input Process-Output (IPO) model in order to set a clear

course for the study.

Figure 1 shows the conceptual framework for the study. The conceptual paradigm

specifies the data that the researchers must collect, the procedures that the researchers

must use, and the results that are anticipated as the study proceeds. The study's variables

are broken down into three categories in the first box: dependent, independent, and

controlled variables. The dependent variable is the cement, whilst the independent

variables are the product after conducting all the tests. The controlled variables are the

normal mix of the components.

The procedures are listed in the following box. The researchers want to apply the

following techniques while creating the structural bricks: After collecting waste feathers

from a chicken processing factory, the feathers must be washed and dried in the sun.

While waiting for the feathers to dry up the rice husks are burned at about 600 degrees

celsius until it is turned into ash. After the feathers dry up, they are cut into small pieces

using the food processor. Rice husk ash is then prepared together with chicken feathers

and cement. Following the preparation of both materials, multiple cement mixtures are

created. After thoroughly mixing the solution, the results are evaluated through various

tests.

The tests to be carried out, includes a Compressive Strength, in which researchers

will assess the cement mixture’s capacity to withstand high temperatures when exposed

to strong climates such as those found in the Philippines. Aside from the procedures, an

Water Absorption Test will be performed to determine the capacity of the cement mixture
 6

to endure weathering and to provide data on how much water the bricks can absorb.

Following that, a Moisture Content Test will be carried out to determine how much moisture

the concrete can handle. The information acquired from each sample will then be used to

answer the questions presented in the problem statement.

The researchers will finally obtain the results of Rice Husk Ash as Sand

Replacement and Chicken Feather as Reinforcement in the Mixture of Concrete after

performing all of the previous procedures and is stated in the last box of figure 1.

Hypothesis of the Study

The researchers study will test the hypothesis given below:

There is no significant difference between the proposed concrete mixture

with rice husk ash and chicken feathers and the ordinary concrete mixture with cement

and sand in terms of the measured physical quantities.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

The study focuses primarily on analyzing the physical properties of a concrete

mixture that contains rice husk ash and chicken feather together with cement instead of

merely just cement and sand. This study focuses on the efficacy of rice husk ash as sand

replacement and chicken feathers as reinforcement in the concrete cement mixture. The

researcher aims to determine if employing agricultural waste like chicken feathers and rice

husk ash to make an eco-friendly mixture as this study may reduce the amount of

agricultural wastes. According to Zarazua, chicken feathers contain keratin fibers that may

be utilized to improve the strength and longevity of concrete. In fact, it is very resistant to

decay and cannot be broken down or be eaten by termites. While on the other hand, rice

husk contains approximately 90% silica, which is a highly porous structure and is

lightweight, with high specific surface area. Rice husk, as a supplementary siliceous

material, may be used in high-performance concrete to improve the surface area of the

transition zone between the microscopic structure of cement paste and aggregate. When
 7

25% rice husk ash is substituted for cement, the permeability of blended concrete

improves significantly when compared to standard concrete. However, the researchers

aim to completely replace rice husk ash to sand. The proponents ought to prove that the

utilization of chicken feathers and rice husk ash to cement mixture may successfully be

stronger than regular concrete mixture considering that it is indeed eco-friendly.

The study tackles the viability of chicken feathers as additive to cement mixture

and rice husk ash as sand replacement in cement mixtures. The chicken feathers collected

were not from a specific breed of chickens and were only collected from a chicken

slaughterhouse. Whilst the gathered rice husks were not limited to a specific type of rice.

The study does not cover the type of water used but utilized portland cement in the cement

mixture.

In order to conduct this study, the variables needed are chicken feathers and rice

husk ash as the independent variables, cement as the dependent variables, and normal

concrete mixture as the controlled variables. The first step is collecting the needed wastes

including rice husks and chicken feathers. Once all the components have been gathered,

the collected feathers will then be dried as the rice husks are burned to produce ash. After

the collected feathers are dried, it will be cut into smaller particles in a food processor.

Then, the cement to be used will be prepared. The cement will then be mixed with a portion

of rice husk ash as replacement to sand and chicken feathers as additive. The mixture will

be poured to the specified PVC and be left to dry. It will finally undergo a series of tests

such as Compressive Strength, Water Absorption test, Moisture Content test, and have

further analysis. The researchers choose to use chicken feathers and rice husks since

they want to achieve an eco-friendly but stronger and more affordable mixture of concrete

bricks and further reduce the growing amount of agricultural waste.

After everything that has been stated, the study is only limited in developing

enhanced cement mixture infused with agricultural waste such as chicken feathers and
 8

rice husks. However, the proponents still included suggestions as to where the cement

mixture can be utilized.

Significance of the Study

To the Community , This study will benefit the community by ensuring their safety

and by preventing potential catastrophes, such as falling debris, because the content and

mixture of the bricks is stronger than the foundation of traditional bricks in case of tragedy.

It will also benefit the community's residents to have inexpensive bricks made from waste

in order to produce a less polluted and garbage-free society.

To the Businesses , Businesses will benefit from this study since utilizing the

Rice Husk Ash as Sand Replacement will be more advantageous than using traditional

sands in that they will have a stronger foundation, superior quality, and more inexpensive

pricing, which will cause them to attract in more clients, which will help their businesses

expand. Additionally, since it was created from waste, it will be simple for them to locate

raw materials and ingredients while maintaining a competitive price.

To the Chicken Butcher and Farmers , This study will benefit those said Chicken

Butchers and Farmers for they will have an additional income from the excess waste

produced.

To the Future Researchers , This study will assist the present and future

researchers and can be applied as related literature that will strengthen their

respective studies.

Definition of Terms

Agricultural Waste. Agricultural waste are unwanted waste from agricultural

activities that are described as include manure, oil, silage, plastics, fertilizer, insecticides,

and herbicides (Phytomanagement of Polluted Sites, 2019). In this study the term

agricultural waste refers to the primary components that the researchers will employ to

make bricks.
 9

Cement. Cement is a very fine substance with adhesive and cohesive qualities

that act as a binding medium for the individual elements (Construction, 2020). In this study

the term cement refers to the substance used as a binding agent for making bricks.

Chicken Feather. Feathers serve as a covering for birds, protecting them from

cold, rain, sun, and harm (Gregory. 2022). In this Study, the term chicken feather refers

to one of the waste products that is used.

Compressive Strength. Compressive strength is the ability of a sample or

specimen to withstand load until failure. Compressive strength applies pressure to an

element's top or bottom until it deforms. (Sabhadiya, 2023)

Concrete. Concrete is a mixture of cement, fine or coarse aggregates, water and

admixture. It is extensively utilized in construction and is the material of choice for all civil

engineers. as it is cheap, and has good qualities of durability, and moldability. (Diya,

2019). In this study the term concrete is the goal of the researchers to produce with the

use of rice husk ash and chicken feathers.

Keratin. Keratin is a protein found in the skin's surface cells. Keratin is necessary

for the growth, maintenance, and beauty of skin, hair, and fingernails. (Botarro, 2022). In

this study, the term keratin is the property of chicken feathers that can help concrete in

strength and durability.

Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe. PVC is a long-lasting, maintenance-free material that is

weather resistant, strong, and lightweight. It may be utilized in plumbing and electrical

projects and can be used in place of wood and other metal instruments. (Ligon, 2022) In

this study, the term Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe is used as the mold for the concrete mixture.

Rice Husk Ash. Rice husk ash (RHA) is an abundantly available and renewable

agriculture by-product from rice milling in the rice-producing countries. It has the highest

proportion of silica content among all plant residues (Siddique, 2008; Xu, Lo, & Memon,

2012; Yalçin & Sevinç, 2001).

 10

Silica. Silica is a high pozzolanic substance that can make concrete’s mechanical

and durability properties.(ACI, 2022). In this study, the term silica refers to the property of

rice husk ash that can make concrete durable and permeable.

Water Absorption. Water absorption is a test used to determine theThe amount

of water absorbed in particular specimens under particular circumstances. (Behiels, 2019).

In this study the term Water Absorption refers to the physical quantity of concrete that will

be measured.
 11

Chapter II
REVIEW OF LITERATURE

This chapter deals with the review of related concepts and studies found in

previous literature. It also presents a synthesis of reviewed research literature.

Conceptual Literature

Chicken Feathers

While feathers are often seen as a by-product of chicken production and as a waste

by-product, other farmers breed poultry exclusively for their feathers. Feathers are used

to make a variety of ornamental items, including boas, feather fans, masks, costume

accessories, bird decorations, and even earrings and flowers. Feathers are also

commonly used in the production of fishing flies. Despite chicken feathers not weighing

much, the volume of feathers generated in the United States yearly is significant. 2-3 billion

pounds of feathers are created each year for the 8+ billion broilers annually. According to

research, the keratin in feathers (a protein also present in hair, hoofs, horns, and wool)

may be made to produce a wide range of items.

Feather fiber shares qualities with cellulose, the starch that is used to make wood

and paper. Feathers, like wool, contain keratin, but the surface area is significantly bigger

due to the smaller diameter of the fibers. As a result, the fiber is more absorbent than wool

or cellulose fibers. Feather fibers are naturally stable and durable due to their crystal

structure. Keratin's ordered structure helps to consolidate the structure of polymers,

making them stronger. (Coffey, 2019).

Several businesses produce millions of tons of keratinous waste in the form of

feathers, antlers, bristles, claws, hair, hoofs, horns, and wool, and their destruction

damages the environment. A good source of peptides, amino acids, and minerals can be

found in chicken feathers, which contain 92% keratin. Conventional methods of feather

hydrolysis use a lot of energy and have lower net protein consumption and amino acid
 12

content. A practical and environmentally friendly method for producing hydrolysate that

can be utilized to make bioactive peptides, protein supplements, animal feed, organic

fertilizers, etc. is to biologically treat feathers with keratinolytic microorganisms.

A hydrolysate's inclusion of amino acids, soluble proteins, and peptides

encourages the development of microorganisms in the rhizosphere, which in turn

encourages the uptake and use of nutrients from the soil. The C/N ratio, mineral content,

and water retention capacity of soil are all improved by applying hydrolysate. The

hydrolysate's abilities to stimulate plant development enhance its potential for use in

organic farming and enhance the soil ecology and microbiota. The treatment of keratin-

containing waste, the nutritional value of hydrolysate produced by keratinolytic

microorganisms, and its potential use as a plant growth stimulator in the agro - industrial

sector are all reviewed in this work. (Bhari, Ranjeeta. 2021).

Over the years, substantial research has been carried out to develop suitable

alternatives for synthetic fibers. Chicken Feather Fiber (CFF), one of the bio-natural fiber

composites, is regarded as a good alternative to the synthetic varieties. CFF is a by-

product of poultry husbandry and the lack of standardized extraction procedures makes it

difficult to assess, treat and post-process the CFF. The CFF is an intriguing family of fibers

with the potential to be used in various applications due to its relative abundance and

suitable properties. This study shows that using CFF creates biodegradable and

environmentally friendly combinations that offer a way to get rid of most of the solid waste

produced by poultry farms. (Biju, Raj, Chacko, Joseph, Koshy. 2022)

Chicken feathers (ChF), a by-product of the chicken meat processing industry, are

a typical food industry waste product. In this experiment, ChF were heated and then slowly

pyrolyzed. The yield, ash, chemical composition, and morphology of the samples were all

thoroughly analyzed. X-ray diffraction examination demonstrated that lower temperature

samples were more amorphous, whereas higher temperature samples exhibited more
 13

graphitic content. After being characterized, the biocarbon was mixed with poly(lactic acid)

(PLA) to create composites that are entirely biobased and sustainable. The moduli of both

composites were more than 115% higher than those of the pure polymer. The

effectiveness of the composites proved that ChF biocarbon can be utilized as a cost-

efficient and sustainable filler.

The use of this material helps to achieve the goal of sustainable product

development by giving a waste product a new use. (Li, Zonglin. 2020)

Chicken Feather fibers with carbon residuum (CR) fused with epoxy resin hybrid

composite undergoes a mechanical analysis and microstructure investigation. It has

shown that in order to strengthen the interfacial connection with the matrix and

reinforcement, the fibers' surface was alkali-treated with caustic soda (sodium hydroxide).

The composites in this instance were made by hand lay-up. In different weight

percentages of 1, 3, 5, and 7, chicken feathers were taken in the form of reinforcing fibers.

Many mechanical tests were carried out in line with ASTM standards, and it was

determined that the impact test results were best when 5 weight percent of chicken

feathers were used. Ultimately, the hybrid composites were created using this feather

weight percentage together with varied amounts of CR (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5). (Negi,

Singh. 2018)

The CF-HMA concrete was prepared using the Marshall Mix design. Researchers

looked at how the CF affected the mechanical, gravimetric, and volumetric characteristics

of asphalt concrete. Analysis has been done on the CF's rusting performance, moisture

resistance, and asphalt concrete's capacity to prevent the CF from decomposing. Findings

indicated that the CF can boost stability, decrease moisture sensitivity, and improve rutting

resistance of asphalt concrete. Results of a prolonged moisture test indicated that the

asphalt is capable of defending the CF against biodegradation. (Osman, Alhuraish,

Almarshad, Qarwan, Adesina. 2020)

 14

Cashew Nut Shell Powder (CNSP) is a composite material made from agricultural

waste that will enable the concrete industry to maximize resource use, generate economic

benefits, and construct durable, sturdy, and environmentally responsible structures.

Because the quality of the reactivity improves due to the presence of lime, CNSP may be

used in the future as a suitable replacement for cement binders. This experimental

investigation shows the impact of CNSP on strength coupled with chicken feathers as fiber

in concrete. The study investigated the cashew nutshell powder and substituted it with

regular Portland Cement at 0%, 4%, 8%, and 12% together with 1% of prepared chicken

feather using a mix design ratio of grade 30 MPa concrete (M 30).

The cashew nutshell was ground after being sun-dried for seven days. It is

suggested that CNSP be utilized as a construction material in the production of concrete

with an ideal substitution of 8% of OPC for structural application and exhibited

improvement in Compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, impact strength, & flexural

strength compared to the conventional. Moreover, CNSP concrete is frequently helpful in

sulfate-rich environments. The current method for designing concrete mixes can be

strengthened now that we are aware of the ingredients' chemical compositions. (

Arokiaprakash, Maheshwari. 2021)

Concrete is a material that is frequently used in the construction industry for

buildings, water projects, and bridges. Concrete has the property of being strong against

compressive pressures but weak against tensile forces. Thus, it is essential to enhance

the concrete's properties. By adding a fiber combination to the concrete, the properties of

the concrete can be improved. Synthetic and natural fibers are the two types of fibers used

in concrete mixtures.

According to the test results, the concrete with the average compressive strength

of the concrete with the addition of 0% chicken feathers was 200.78 kg/cm2, the

compressive strength of the concrete with 1% chicken feather fiber was 215.09 kg/cm2,
 15

and the compressive strength of the concrete with 2% chicken feather fiber is 197.54

kg/cm2. The concrete grade utilized was 20 MPa, and the amount of added chicken

feather waste was 0%, 1%, and 2% of the volume of concrete in the research. The fiber

used in the concrete was classified as natural fiber and had a fiber length of 3 cm.

Concrete's compressive and flexural strengths are being tested using a specimen. 15 x

30 cm cylinder and 15 x 15 x 60 cm beam. Five samples make up each percentage of the

used chicken feather waste in the concrete mix.

This is influenced by the characteristics of the chicken feathers which are difficult

to bond with the concrete as well as being easy to absorb water, so that the concrete takes

a longer time to dry after the maintenance of the concrete.(Juni. 2021)

Rice Husk Ash

The rice husk ash , also known as the rice hull, is the covering on a rice seed or

grain. It is made of tough elements like silica and lignin to protect the seed during the

growth season. As a byproduct of rice production during milling, each kilogram of milled

white rice yields around 0.28 kg of rice husk. Rice husk is commonly used to make solid

fuel (in the form of loose form, briquettes, and pellets), carbonized rice husk created after

combustion, and the leftover rice husk ash after combustion.

Its high silica concentration causes excessive wear on processing equipment

elements such as conveyors and grinders, and also impairs cattle digestion. The volatile

matter level of rice husk is higher than that of wood and considerably higher than that of

coal, whereas the fixed carbon content is significantly lower than that of coal. The ash

percentage of rice husk is substantially greater than that of wood and coal, creating

hurdles to energy conversion.

Rice husk has long been used as a source of energy for small applications such

as brick production, steam engines and gasifiers used to power rice mills, and providing

heat for rice dryers. Rice husk ash's high silica concentration makes it an excellent additive
 16

for the steel and concrete industries. Rice husk ash is useful as a soil conditioner, activated

carbon, insulator, and other things to a lesser extent. More recently, small to medium-

scale electrical power generation—up to 5 megawatts—has been experimented

throughout Asia, with several promising ideas but also some apparent limitations. Failure

was mostly due to feedstock supply issues as the formerly free waste rice husk became

a commercial product, as well as logistical issues. (Rome, Lim, Manan, Alwi, Hashim.,

2012)

In recent years, the scientific, technological, ecological, economic, and social

spheres have all paid growing attention to the use of waste or by-products from various

businesses and the agricultural sector. By-products of the rice milling process include rice

husk (RH) and rice husk ash (RHA), which are both burned in a separate boiler. In nations

that produce rice, including China, India, Brazil, the USA, and Southeast Asia, both RH

and RHA are widely available. RH has thus been recycled by being burned to provide

energy. This produces RHA, which has a high concentration of amorphous silica (85–

95%).

RHA has been widely utilized for the past 20 years in a variety of industries for the

production of various silicates, zeolites, catalysts, nanocomposite, cement, lightweight

building materials, insulators, and adsorbents. This publication provides a thorough

description of the RH/RHA-derived nano-silica processing. The application of RHA as a

component in the manufacture of several ceramic materials, such as refractory, glass,

whiteware, oxide and non-oxide ceramics, silica aerogel, and SiO2/C composites, is

attempted simultaneously. In conclusion, RHA or RH-derived amorphous silica offers a

viable substitute for traditional silica sources (such quartz) for the production of value-

added ceramics for practical applications. (Mathur, Roy. 2018)

A major byproduct of paddy rice milling is rice husk, which is generated in vast

quantities annually all over the world. The amorphous form of silica is widely distributed in
 17

rice husk. In order to extract silica and subsequently manufacture value-added silicon-

based compounds, rice husk is a natural and sustainable biomass source. The majority of

rice husk is currently burned directly to create energy or electricity, which results in the

generation of a significant amount of rice husk ash. For silica extraction on an industrial

scale, very little rice husk is used. In this chapter, the physical and chemical characteristics

of rice husk and rice husk ash are reviewed in general, as well as how they can be used

as adsorbents to remove heavy metals from vegetable oil. There is also discussion of the

many processing techniques used to produce silica and silica aerogel from rice husk ash,

as well as the variables that affected the physical and chemical characteristics of these

products. (Zou, Yang. 2019)

Modern and in-demand research in various engineering subcategories focuses on

the management of agricultural wastes as a natural resource material. The advantages

include price, simplicity of use, and environmental friendliness. Humans have long been

interested in making the best use of agricultural wastes, and doing so is an effective

method to manage the environment. Because of their high silica concentration, some bio-

waste ashes, such as rice husk ash, have a high pozzolanic component.

When compared to conventional mechanical methods, these materials have a

substantially lower reaction time and a higher utilization, which has attracted the attention

of researchers. The experimental research on biomass waste ash used as a pozzolanic

additive for engineering applications is reviewed in the current work. This study first gives

some crucial background information about the preparation processes for agricultural

waste ash and its composition before reviewing the various physical and chemical

pretreatment techniques. The article also considers how rice husk ash might be used in a

variety of industries as a green and sustainable material. (Aghel, Abdullahi, Nguyen,

Rashid. 2019)
 18

RHA, or rice husk ash, is a waste product that is dumped in vast quantities and

causes serious pollution. RHA can be used in the building industry as an alternative to

disposal because of its pozzolanic behavior. In this essay, the utilization of RHA in the

more environmentally friendly manufacture of building materials such bricks, alkali-

activated binder, and blended cement is critically examined. There is also a discussion of

RHA's use in other construction applications such soil stabilization and subgrade

treatment. Additionally, there are scientific insights on the physical, chemical, and

mineralogical characteristics of RHA, which are crucial to the engineering qualities of

RHA-blend construction products.

RHA is known to improve the short- and long-term engineering qualities of building

goods when added at a rate of between 10 and 20 percent to various construction sectors.

RHA is therefore an economical and energy-efficient solution for the building sector. The

study also offers strategies and suggestions for using RHA in the more environmentally

friendly manufacture of construction materials, all of which are based on thorough review.

(Ajinkya. 2020)

Five sets of procedures were used to examine the viability of using rice husk waste

from agricultural sources to prepare highly reactive rice husk ash for sustainable cement-

based material: optimization of rice husk ash with an improved combustion technique,

pozzolanic activity evaluation of the prepared rice husk ash, strength development of

mortar with rice husk ash, sulfate attack experiment to investigate the potential durability,

and environmental evaluation of rice husk as a building material. According to the findings,

among the various mineral additions, the ideal rice husk ash utilizing enhanced

combustion process had the highest lime-ash compressive strength, a violent pozzolanic

reaction heat flow, and a rapid Ca(OH)2 consumption ability. It also had a high pozzolanic

activity.
 19

The addition of more rice husk ash to mortars has increased their compressive

strengths. According to the results of the sulfate assault, the paste containing 15% rice

husk ash increased sulfate resistance by stabilizing C-S-H and refining pore structure.

Utilizing rice husk ash was shown to be environmentally friendly according to a

sustainability study that took into account energy use and embodied carbon dioxide

emissions. This study established the viability of using agricultural waste rice husk ash,

which is highly reactive, as a sustainable mineral additive in cement-based materials.

(Zhang. 2020)

Cement production involves high amounts of energy consumption and carbon

dioxide emissions. Pakistan is facing a serious energy crisis and cement’s cost is

increasing. In addition, landfilling of potential concrete components can lead to

environmental degradation. The use of waste as cement replacement not only reduces

cement production cost by reducing energy consumption, but it is also environmentally

friendly. The purpose of this study is to analyze the characteristics of concrete by partially

replacing cement with Rice Husk Ash (RHA) and Fly Ash (FA).

The performance of concrete is the major subject of this study, which also looks at

indirect tensile and compressive strength and conducts a slump test.

RHA and FA were substituted for cement in weight amounts of 5% (2.5% RHA +

2.5% FA), 10% (5% RHA + 5% FA), 15% (7.5% RHA + 7.5% FA), and 20% (10%

RHA+10% FA). Ninety samples of concrete with mix ratios of 1:2:4 and 0.55 cement to

water were cast.

After 7 and 28 days, compressive and split tensile strengths were measured in

cube and cylinder samples, respectively. According to the findings, the 5% RHA+5% FA

sample's indirect tensile strength increased by 16.14% and its compressive strength by

16.14% after 28 days.

 20

15.20% more than the typical sample, on average. Additionally, when the amount

of RHA and FA grew, the sample's slump value decreased. (Bheel, Lahsari, Jokhio,

Qureshi, Abbasi, Qureshi. 2020)

Concrete

One of the world’s oldest and prominent building materials people are using is

concrete mainly because of its durability, low cost, and the capacity of it to survive despite

calamities. Concrete is produced at a rate that is ten times greater than that of other

building materials like steel and polymers since they are more expensive and less well-

known. Concrete is a brittle material with a strong compressive resistance but a low tensile

strength, yet the tensile stress of it can be controlled with the aid of reinforcements.

(Tantaw, 2019)

Concrete mixture is a design that is a complex and important subject that

necessitates in-depth familiarity with numerous specialized difficulties. The process of

concrete making including the hardening and hydration process are irreversible, and by

that any error would have a significant impact on the investors as well as the design and

structure of the concrete, potentially reducing its longevity. Concrete is a combination of

cement, water, fine and coarse aggregates, it is mostly reinforced with additives or

admixtures to increase certain properties such as concrete's strength, density, durability,

or workability. The cement hydration process, an exothermic chemical interaction between

cement and water, initiates the hardening of concrete. (Ziolkowski and Niedostatkiewicz,

2019)

As cement hardens, concrete becomes more sturdy and long-lasting. Concrete

needs water to be strong and long-lasting, and the quality of the water can have an effect

on the environment as a whole. The finest water to use when creating concrete mixture is

potable water. It demonstrates how the strength of the concrete's compressive, flexural,
 21

and split tensile properties can all be improved by using potable water. (Nikhil et. al.,

2017)

Concrete made with recycled concrete aggregate helps to protect the environment

by lowering the need to develop new aggregate quarries and lowering the volume of

construction debris dumped in landfills. Concrete's durability and strength are influenced

by the characteristics of RCA, including its specific gravity, absorption, and level of

contamination. The original aggregate's characteristics and the state of the concrete that

was being demolished both affect the RCA's quality. While some researchers claim that

using RCA damages the characteristics of concrete, others have successfully created

RCA concrete with performance that is comparable to that of regular concrete. (NC).

This research also reviews several methods to enhance the performance of RCA

concrete, documented cost savings in the manufacture of concrete, and recommendations

about the use of RCA in concrete, in addition to the impact of RCA on concrete properties.

(Ashraf, Cao. 2018)

8% of the world's CO2 emissions are attributed to cement, which is a significant

climate change contributor. By 2030, the cement industry's yearly emissions must

decrease by at least 16% in order to be in compliance with the Paris Agreement on climate

change. Over the next 30 years, worldwide cement production is expected to rise to over

5 billion tonnes annually if "business as usual" continues. There are several ways to

minimize emissions from cement production, but each one will need to be implemented

on a large scale to satisfy the decarbonization goal. This study focuses on industry-specific

emissions reduction strategies that call for the modification of cement and concrete.

The use of "novel cements" to lessen the requirement for clinker itself is

emphasized, as is the possibility of blending clinker with substitute materials. Despite

universal acceptance, a small number of significant producers control the market, and

there is little immediate financial incentive to change. The urgency of the need to
 22

decarbonize cement production and the growing number of technological and regulatory

alternatives, however, are becoming increasingly apparent. The International Energy

Agency (IEA), the Energy Transitions Commission, and the UN Environment Programme

(UNEP) are all aiming to hasten the switch to low-carbon energy systems.

The IEA and CSI's 2018 Technology Roadmap outlines action on four mitigation

levers to achieve CO2 reductions commensurate with at least a 50% chance of reducing

the average global temperature increase to 2°C over pre-industrial levels by 2100. This

goal is to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. (Lehne, Johanna, Preston. 2018)

Related Literature

Local

Manginsay, Cabahug (2015) conducted a study about the practicality of using

chicken feathers as a substitute for fine particles in concrete and was the subject of an

experimental inquiry. After earlier research showed that chicken feathers have good

durability and resistance to degradation due to significant cross-linking and strong

covalent bonding within their structure, waste material collected from slaughterhouses of

chickens was used. In this study, cement-aggregate volume ratios of 1:6 were used in the

concrete set ups. The ratio remains consistent across all concrete set ups, regardless of

the amount of chicken feathers added to the mixture.

Demonteverde et. al, (2022) ascertain their study of concrete’s mechanical

properties along with reused HDPE or High-Density Polyethylene, Rice Hull Ash and

Macro Flat Fiber as limited substitution for cement. Determining the best mix ratio for

concrete’s binding and flexural strength is the goal of the researchers. The mixture

contains varying proportions or the rate of HDPE MFF (0.5%, 0.75%, and 1.0%) and 10%

partial replacement of RHA embodied to cement. RHA can be acquired by uncontrolled

burning whereas HDPE MFF can be accumulated through manual cutting and shredding.
 23

Conducting this experiment demonstrated that the addition of HDPE MFF greatly

improved the concrete’s binding and its flexural strength.

Lugay et. al, (2019) aims to reduce indoor heat by adding chicken feathers to

cement mixture. Reducing the heat that some people experienced may result in lowering

the expenses like in electricity due to the use of air conditioners and electric fans. Related

studies on heat, insulation, cement, and the uses of chicken feathers in various industries

also served as support and foundation for this research. The temperature and thermal

properties of the normal cement mixture and the other one with chicken feathers are tested

using the Extech HT30: Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT).

Isberto et. al, (2018) develop a suitable method for using the rice husk ash

(RHA) that is commonly found in the Philippines as a partial replacement to

Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). Various studies have suggested that optimal

percentage replacement values of RHA ranging from 10% to 20% demonstrated a

significant improvement in the strength of the resulting blended concrete. These

optimal values are highly dependent on the burning preparation of RHA in which it

has a negative impact on the amorphous silica components and the pozzolanic

activities of RHA in concrete. In this study, a potential method for converting RH into

optimized and highly reactive RHA was investigated. Controlled burning and grinding are

available. The effect of RHA on cement mortar strength was investigated using various

proportions of 5, 10, 15, and 20% RHA by weight replacement of cement.

Rosalie Mendoza et. al, (2019) looked at how the keratin fibers from waste chicken

feathers affected the hydration properties of Type l Portland cement. The effect of different

fiber amounts on cement curing process, heat and spectral qualities was analyzed. When

compared to unmodified control samples, cement mixes containing up to 6% keratin fibers

increased initial and final setting times by 46% and 54%, respectively. The thermal and
 24

infrared spectroscopic analyses indicate that keratin fibers may have blocked hydration

sites or prevented cement crystallization causing cement curing to be delayed.

Foreign

Dalhat et. al, (2020) discovered the findings of laboratory tests on concrete

modified with chicken-feather (CF) and hot-mix asphalt (HMA) were reviewed in this

research. The CF-HMA concrete was prepared using the Marshall Mix design.

Researchers looked at how the CF affected the mechanical, gravimetric, and volumetric

characteristics of asphalt concrete. Analysis has been done on the CF's rusting

performance, moisture resistance, and asphalt concrete's capacity to prevent the CF from

decomposing. Results indicated that the CF may boost stability, decrease moisture

sensitivity, and improve rutting resistance of asphalt concrete. Results of a prolonged

moisture test indicated that the asphalt is capable of defending the CF from

biodegradation.

Akeke et. Al, (2013) investigates the effect of rice husk ash as partial replacement

for ordinary portland cement on the mechanical and structural properties of concrete. Rice

husk ash is known for its pozzolanic properties and used in concrete making. It is found

that it has compressive strengths between 33 and 38.4 N/mm2 at replacement

percentages of 10 to 25 percent in a 1:1.5:3 mix. In a subsequent analysis of its flexural

characteristics, the moduli of rupture were determined, as well as the characteristics of its

tensile strength for the detection of cracking. The results at 28 days were 3, 2.5, and

2.4N/mm2, and the results at replacement percentages of 10%, 20%, and 25% were 1.94,

1.17, and 0.91N/mm2. The purpose of this study is to examine the structural integrity and

other characteristics of concrete made by partially substituting RHA for OPC, as a result

the result proved the viability of using rice husk ash as concrete and acceptable as partial

replacement for ordinary portland cement.

 25

Kulkarni et. Al, (2014) study the effects of RHA on properties of concrete. For

usage as a pozzolanic component in concrete, rice husk is ground or burned to produce

RHA. Using rice husk in concrete has a number of benefits, and it has been discovered

that this material's pozzolanic activity not only improves the strength of the concrete but

also its impermeability properties. The ideal level of rice husk ash replacement for cement

is discovered to be 20%, and as RHA replacement for cement in concrete increases,

concrete's workability declines.

Siddika et, Al. (2017) study the concrete with the partial replacement of cement by

rice husk ash. RHA is produced by controlled or uncontrolled incineration, and has

cementitious material. RHA can partially replace cement and has a high level of pozzolanic

activity. Four distinct tests, various ratios, and various percentages of RHA as a cement

replacement are used to test the specimens in this study. Replacing cement with RHA in

structural concrete gives a good alternative in as economical as strength considerations

of concrete, even without any form of processing and indicated environmental benefits

related with waste disposal.

Abhilash et. Al, (2021) reviews the effect of nano silica in concrete. Due to their

small particle size, nano-materials might be a useful product for the rehabilitation and

repair of buildings. It makes the concrete more easily impermeable and enhances the

packing density of the concrete. In this study, after adding nano-silica to conventional

concrete at various ratios, the setting time, workability, compressive strength, splitting

tensile, and flexural strength of various mix designs are examined. After the experiments

are carried out, findings show that the mechanical strength of concrete increases as the

amount of nano silica increases.

Nurudin et. Al, (2015) review the pozzolanic reaction mechanism of rice husk ash

in concrete. Rice husk is an agricultural waste that comes from the rice milling process,

and rice husk is abundantly generated every year. Rice husk ash contains amorphous
 26

silica and can contribute to the enhancement of properties of concrete. Pozzolanic

reaction Reactive silica, often known as SiO2, will undergo a pozzolanic reaction when it

is in an amorphous condition. The primary mechanism of the pozzolanic reaction is an

acid-base interaction between calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and silicium acid (H4SiO4),

which is derived from reactive amorphous silica. Additionally, it should be emphasized that

a pozzolanic reaction happens whenever siliceous or luminous material comes in contact

with calcium hydroxide at a humidity level high enough to generate calcium. Silicate

hydrate compound (C-S-H), which has cementitious qualities and aids in the creation of

concrete strength.

Bumansis et al., (2020) evaluates the industrial by-product as pozzolans. One of

the best ways to enhance the characteristics of concrete is to substitute pozzolanic

additives for a portion of the Portland cement. This research aims to assess pozzolanic

materials from waste streams and build a roadmap of evaluation techniques for pozzolanic

materials. In this paper, the efficacy of silica in making high strength, and quality concrete

are tested in a technical manner and analyzed experimentally.

Synthesis

Foreign and local research, articles, and journals established the fundamentals of

the replacement of rice husk ash to sand and reinforcement of chicken feathers in making

cement mixtures and provided valuable information on a variety of topics such as reducing

increasing amount wastes namely rice husks and chicken feathers and how they would

perform as replacement and reinforcement in developing concrete mixtures. In addition,

the proponents seek to develop cement mixtures while replacing rice husk ash to sand

and reinforcing chicken feathers.

This research abided by the conventions of rice husk ash and chicken feathers in

making cement mixtures as stated in the various related literature. The aim was to create
 27

Rice Husk Ash as Sand Replacement and Chicken Feather as Reinforcement in the

Mixture of Concrete.

The study of Manginsay, Cabahug (2015) showed that chicken feathers can be

utilized as a substitute for fine particles in concrete. The study used a cement-aggregate

volume ratio of 1:6 and ratios remained constant regardless of the amount of feathers

added to the mixture. In this study, chicken feathers are also used as additives to concrete

mixture and also employed a cement-aggregate volume ratio of 1:6, following the National

Structural Code of the Philippines. Nonetheless, the ratio also remained constant as

chicken feathers were added to the mixture of concrete.

Demonteverde et. al, (2022) suggested that rice hull ash can be used as a partial

replacement to cement. The study of Isberto et. al, (2018) also shows that rice husk ash

which is commonly found in the Philippines can be partially replaced to ordinary Portland

cement. The effects of rice husk ash on the properties of concrete is discussed in the study

of Kulkarni et. Al, (2014) and discovered that 20% is the ideal level of rice husk ash

replacement for cement. Siddika et, Al. (2017) study the concrete with the partial

replacement of cement by rice husk ash. In this study, sand is completely replaced with

rice husk ash instead of only partially replacing it with cement. This study also utilized

ordinary Portland cement in the mixture.

According to Lugay et. al, (2019) adding chicken feathers to cement mixture can

reduce indoor heat. In this study, chicken feathers are employed in concrete mixtures.

However, the researcher also utilized rice husk ash to the mixture to add strength to the

concrete.

The study of Rosalie Mendoza et. al, (2019) says that chicken feathers added to

cement gives off a better positive outcome than a normal cement mixture. In this study,

chicken feathers are utilized in concrete mixtures to enhance the concrete’s hydration

properties.
 28

Dalhat et. al, (2020) discovered that chicken feathers may boost stability, decrease

moisture sensitivity, and improve rutting resistance of asphalt concrete. Results show that

the asphalt is capable of defending the chicken feathers from biodegradation. This study

served as great evidence for the researchers and led the researchers to be more eager in

pursuing a study of a concrete containing chicken feathers.

The study of Akeke et. al, (2013) proved the feasibility of using rice husk ash as

concrete and demonstrated that it is acceptable as a partial substitute for ordinary portland

cement. In this study, rice husk ash is utilized as a replacement to rather than only partially

substituting it to cement to ensure a higher concentration of amorphous silica.

As stated in the study of Nurudin et al., (2015), rice husk ash contains amorphous

silica and can contribute to the enhancement of properties of concrete. This study proves

that rice husk ash is feasible in enhancing the concrete’s properties. The study also states

that burning rice husk generates a greater amount of amorphous silica. In this study, rice

husk ash is burned to produce plenty of amorphous silica and successfully make the

concrete mixture stronger.

The effect of nano silica in concrete was discussed in the study of Abhilash et. Al,

(2021). The study showed that the mechanical strength of concrete increases as the

amount of nano silica increases. Bumansis et al. (2020) showed the efficacy of silica in

making high strength, and quality concrete. In this study, sand is completely replaced with

rice husk ash to ensure that the concrete possesses a higher strength given that the

amount of nano silica is greater.

 29

Chapter III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter deals with the research methods used in the study. It includes

discussion on research design, respondents of the study including sampling, data

gathering instrument, data gathering procedure, and statistical treatment of data.

Research Design

Our country, the Philippines, has a total land area of 30 million hectares, 47% of

which is agricultural land. We have fertile land, abundant natural resources, dedicated

farmers, and agricultural research facilities. Given that circumstance, it should come as

no surprise that the Philippines produces a large amount of agricultural waste, with rice

husk and chicken feathers being the majority of it. Rice husk is the covering of a rice grain

and when it is milled, when the rice husk is detached to the rice, it produces 20% waste.

The poultry industry produces 40 million tons of chicken, and these chickens generate

about millions of kilograms of chicken feathers that could lead to a serious problem in the

country. The environment may be endangered by the disposal of this agricultural waste,

part of which is frequently recycled into animal feeds, burned to decay, or buried in

landfills. These conventional trash disposal techniques are time-consuming and costly.

The researchers utilizes the rice husk and chicken feathers for concrete

manufacturing. The researchers replace sand with those agricultural waste for a better

material structure for building establishments. Rice husks are combusted to produce rice

husk ash, which contains silica that is known for its cementitious properties that can

increase the strength of concrete. Chicken feathers are known for its strength and

durability due to its keratin property. The researchers goal in this study is to consider the

effectiveness of using rice husk ash instead of sand and chicken feathers as

reinforcements in concrete.
 30

Materials and Equipments

Rice husk ash - Rice husk fiber is an organic covering that develops over rice

grains as they mature. Rice husk may be utilized as filler in composite materials in a variety

of polymer matrices since it is a form of natural fiber made from agroindustrial waste. Rice

husk ash can be achieved when rice husk is combust or burned controlled or naturally.

The researchers want to utilize rice husk’s pozzolanic activity which can make the

concrete increase its mechanical properties.

Chicken feather - Chicken feathers are a covering that shields poultry from the

elements, including the cold, rain, sun, and damage. The researchers want to utilize

chicken feathers in the mixture because of the substantial cross-linking and robust

covalent bonding within its structure; feathers have high endurance and resilience to

deterioration.

Cement - Cement is a dry powdery material created by calcining lime and clay,

which is then combined with water to create mortar or water, sand, and gravel to create

concrete. The researchers intend to use cement as a binding substance.

Sand - Sand is made up of tiny rock grains mixed with other granular components.

It is distinguished primarily by its size, being finer than gravel and coarser than silt. The

researchers aim to combine sand to cement in the manufacturing of the control set up.

Water - Water is a tasteless, odorless material that is present everywhere on

Earth. The researchers will use water for binding all the aggregates together.

Shovel - Shovel is used to dig, mix, and move loose granular materials, such as

sand, snow, soil, and gravel. The researchers use shovels to mix the materials all together

thoroughly.

Food Processor - Food blender is a tool used in the kitchen and lab to mix, smash,

purée, or emulsify food and other ingredients. The researchers use the food processor to

cut chicken feathers into smaller pieces.

 31

Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe - PVC pipes are made out of combined plastic and vinyl.

PVC pipes are difficult to damage, long lasting, and robust. The researchers use PVC

pipes as molding material because of its cylindrical shape for testing reasons.

Table 1
Set ups for Experimental and Control Concrete Specimen

The table shows the testing's experimental and control configurations. The

experimental setup uses rice husk and chicken feathers to replace sand. The concrete

mixture for the experiment was made using a ratio of 1 part cement to 5.3 parts rice husk

and 1 part cement to 0.7 parts chicken feathers. According to Wahab & Osmi (2012), the

amount of chicken feathers in the cement mixture is only permitted to be 10%. This is done

to prevent the modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture from decreasing

(MOR). While the control set up the researchers utilized the typical concrete mixture ratio

of one part cement to one part sand to create the control set up. There are no rice husks

or chicken feathers in this mixture. Polyvinyl chloride pipes are used to form concrete

mixtures. PVC with dimensions of 4 inches in diameter by 8 inches in length is used to

mold the material into a cylindrical shape for testing purposes. A total of 5 specimens were

created to be used throughout the experiment, with 4 specimens made for the

experimental setup and just 1 for the control setup.

 32

Subject of the Study

Rice husk ash is achieved by burning continuously controlled or in a natural

process. RHA contains 85% - 90% amorphous silica and due to its high silica

concentration, it can be used to fortify building materials. It also sheds light on

numerous modification methods that can modify the chemical and physical characteristics

of husk to improve the associated mechanical properties. The use of silica can improve

the quality of the material due to its pozzolanic reactions that have cementitious properties.

Saad, et, al. (2015). Silica's small size and nano-material composition make it a potential

product for building restoration and repair. It increases the packing density of the concrete

and makes it easier to become impermeable. Abhilash (2021) According to Kulkarni et

al., (2014) RHA has a number of benefits, and it has been discovered that this material's

pozzolanic activity not only improves the strength of the concrete but also its

impermeability properties.

Chicken feathers will also be a subject in this study due to the presence of

keratin in its fibers and quill. Keratin consists of a sufficient amount of amino acids that

cross-link to each other. As a result, it forms hydrogen bonds that makes the quality of

fibers better, resulting in stronger, and lightweight properties. As well as chicken feathers'

high durability and resistance to deterioration, the researchers plan to use chicken

feathers in the process. Sutarno, et al. (2021)

This study will cover cement as well. When it comes to the creation of concrete,

cement plays a significant role and influences properties like durability, workability, and

compressive strength. They will go through a process called hydration, in which the

cement reacts with the water to bind it with the particles, creating a solid concrete mixture.

Data Gathering Instrument

The researchers aim to run several tests on each sample in order to acquire

important information about how well each sample does in each test.
 33

1. Compressive Strength Test

The Test followed the criterions of the ASTM C140. These test procedures

offer general testing specifications for use with a variety of concrete materials. The

test was conducted in accordance with the established ASTM C39, Compressive

Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens. The test comprises figuring out the

concrete specimen's compressive strength.

2. Water Absorption Test

The test followed the ASTM C642 Standard Test Method for Measurement

of Rate of Absorption of Water by Hydraulic-Cement Concretes. By evaluating the

increase in mass of a specimen as a function of time when only one surface of the

specimen is exposed to water, this test method can be used to measure the rate

of water absorption (sorptivity) by hydraulic cement concrete.

Data Gathering Procedure

Agricultural waste is obtained from different places here in the Philippines. Waste

rice husks were collected in San Miguel Bulacan, Pampanga, Philippines. The rice husk

obtained was burned at about 600 degree Celsius to obtain its ash form. High purity silica

can be produced by the combustion of rice husk. confirmed 95% of amorphous silica can

be obtained by combusting rice husk in above 600 degree celsius for two hours. The ability

of rice husk ash to contain amorphous silica will increase cement strength, reduce thermal

cracking brought on by the heat of hydration, and make cement more resistant to attack

from sulfate and acidic water. Bakar et, al (2016)

Waste feathers are obtained from poultry in Bauan, Batangas Philippines. To get

rid of superfluous debris, it was washed many times after the feathers were recovered.

After being cleaned, the feathers were dried outside in the sun. In order to prevent
 34

concentration on certain areas in the concrete when mixed, dried feathers were then

ground into finer materials with the aid of a food processor to obtain the desired size.

The production of concrete specimens began after the collecting and preparation

of rice husk and chicken feathers. To avoid mixing extraneous elements, the materials

were mixed separately in each setting. The batches of mixture are thoroughly stirred with

a shovel to make sure the ingredients are distributed evenly.

Concrete mixtures are molded using polyvinyl chloride pipes. For testing purposes,

PVC with dimensions of 4 inches in diameter by 8 inches in length is utilized to create the

material's cylindrical shape. A total of 5 specimens, including control and experimental

setups, were created.

The first test is conducted is the water absorption test. The dry specimens are

collected, measured, and weighed. The specimens were immersed in water for 24 hours,

after immersing, the wet specimens were weighed. After weighing it wet, the specimens

were cured for some minutes. The specimens are weighed for the final time after they

have dried in the sun to determine their moisture content. To calculate the brick's water

absorption, the dry specimen's weight is contrasted with that of the wet brick.

The second test conducted tests the concrete's compressive strength. The test is

conducted using a compression machine. The specimens were capped with planar plates,

aligned properly to ensure the accuracy of compressive strength measures. The

specimens were placed in the machine between the two plates, after being placed, the

machine constantly applied pressure ranging from 0 psi up to a maximum of 2500 psi, or

17 N/mm2, until failure, the machine continued to apply force until failure. The load at

failure of the specimen is the maximum pressure it can handle.

A statistical test also called the t- test is also employed to compare the means of

the two groups. It is frequently used in hypothesis testing to establish whether a procedure
 35

or treatment truly affects the population of interest or whether two groups differ from one

another.

Data were gathered after all the testing conducted on all specimens. Data that are

gathered are analyzed carefully to see if rice husk ash is viable to replace sand, and

chicken feather as reinforcement in concrete manufacturing.

Statistical Treatment of Data

A statistical analysis was conducted to further assess the data from the material

tests. To find out if at least one batch differs from the control, an independent t-test was

performed.

The average of the two separate settings was calculated using the mean.

𝑆𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝑎𝑡𝑎
𝑀𝑒𝑎𝑛 =
𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝑎𝑡𝑎
The independent t-test is a parametric test that analyzes the means of two

separated groups to see if there is statistical support that the population mean values are

statistically significantly different. The independent t-test’s null hypothesis states that the

population means from the two distinct groups are equal:

H0: u1 = u2

In general, the purpose was to see if the null hypothesis could be rejected and

accept the alternative hypothesis, that the population means are not equal:

HA: u1 ≠ u2

Setting a significance level that allows for either rejection or acceptance of the

alternative hypothesis is necessary in order to do this. This value is typically set at 0.05.
 36

Schematic Diagram

Figure 2 : Schematic Diagram of Procedure and Testing of Concrete Set Ups

 37

Chapter IV
PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter deals with the presentation, analysis and interpretation of data. It contains

the textual and tabular presentation of data, quantitative and qualitative analysis of data, and

interpretation of data in the light of relevant literature.

1. Properties of each sample in terms of compressive strength and water absorption.

Table 2
Compressive Strength

Specimen # 1:6 Cement to Sand Mixture 1:5.3:7 cement, rice ash

(Mpa) husk and chicken feathers
(Mpa)

1 0.92 2.07

2
0.92 1.14

3 0.92 1.80

Mean 0.92 1.67

Table 2 shows the data gathered for the compressive strength of the concrete specimens

with the control with the 1:6 cement to sand ratio and experimental specimen with 1:5.3:0.7

cement, to rice husk ash, to chicken feathers ratio. According to the results, the experimental set

up has a higher compressive strength with a mean of 1.67 Mpa, while the control set up only has

a mean of 0.92 Mpa.

In comparison to the control set up, every experimental setup exhibited a higher

compressive strength. Calculating the difference between the mean of the control set up and the

experimental set up in compressive strength, the mean of the experimental set up is higher than

the control set up by 81. 52 %. The results showed evidence that the experimental set up with

1:5.3:.7 ratio shows an increase in compressive strength.

 38

Replacing the sand with rice husk ash and chicken feathers as reinforcement affected the

compressive strength of the concrete specimens. According to the study of Nagrale et al. (2017),

rice husk ash is obtained when rice husk is burned at 700 degree celsius. Rice husk ash contains

85% - 95% of amorphous silica, which has cementitious properties which makes rice husk ash

suitable for concrete making. RHA is renowned for its pozzolanic activity, a crucial component in

the production of concrete. Pozzolans have no or very little binding properties, but when combined

with water, they harden and increase the durability of the concrete. Chicken feathers also

contribute to the increase of compressive strength of the concrete. According to Manginsay et al.

(2015) chicken feathers have keratin which they cross link and have strong covalent bonds that

is why they are durable and resistant to degradation. By that, chicken feathers have the potential

to be a material in construction especially in production in concrete.

Table 3
Water Absorption

Specimen # 1:6 Cement to Sand Mixture 1:5.3:7 cement, rice ash

(%) husk and chicken feathers
(%)

1 5.90 8.90

2
5.90 8.33

3 5.90 6.28

Mean 5.90 7.84

The table 3 shows the data gathered for the water absorption of the concrete specimens

with the control specimen with 1:6 cement to sand ratio and experimental specimen with 1:5.3:.7

cement, to rice husk ash, to chicken feathers ratio. According to the results, the experimental set

up has a higher water absorption with a mean of 7.84%, while the control set up only has 5.90%.

In comparison to the control set up, every experimental setup exhibited a higher water

absorption. Calculating the difference between the mean of the control set up and the
 39

experimental set up in water absorption, the mean of the experimental set up is higher than the

control set up by 32.88 %. The results showed evidence that the experimental set up with 1:5.3:.7

ratio shows an increase in water absorption.

It has been discovered that increasing the rice husk content has raised the air content and

strengthened the concrete specimens' ability to absorb water. Cellulose (25–35%),

hemicelluloses (18–21%), lignin (26-31%), silica (15–17%), soluble (2–5%), and moisture (7.5%)

are the components of rice husk . Ngah and Hanafiah claim that rice husk is insoluble in water,

has excellent chemical stability, a high degree of mechanical strength, and a granular structure.

(Akinwumi, Awoyera, Olofinnade, Busari. 2016)

They characterized the ground-up CFW by SEM and particle-induced X-ray emission.

(PIXE). With particle agglomeration, the elemental composition of the CFW showed the presence

of Na, Mg, Al, P, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Sr, Zr, Cd, Sn, Pb, and Si in the range of 12.8 -

22566.3 ppm. The results from the scanning electron microscope showed that the surface texture

and morphological characteristics of CFW were clearly evident. The efficiency of adsorption

increased with increasing initial concentration for the two adsorbents, with the exception of

beginning concentration of 20/30, which decreased in the case of CAC. Adsorption efficiencies

for each initial concentration of the adsorbents considerably vary (F=16.114; P=0.000; confidence

range of 0.05).

The highest adsorption efficiency was demonstrated by CFW (99.95%), which was

followed by CAC (95.08%) (P=0.577 > C.I=0.05). When compared to activated carbon, the

adsorption efficiencies for chicken feathers perform even better as dosages of the feather are

raised. The study's findings demonstrate that chicken feathers are an effective sorbent for soaking

up oil spills in water. (Okoya, Ochor, Akinyele, Olaiya. 2020)

 40

2. Differences of each sample in terms of compressive strength and water absorption.

Table 4
Result of Statistical Treatment for Compressive Strength Difference of the Samples

Verbal
Paired t-test Standard Decision Interpretatio
Results Mean Deviation (σ) t-value p-value on H0 n

Comprehensiv 0.92 0
No significant
e strength of -3.33 4.303 Accept
difference
Group A and B

1.67 0.3906
Note: *Group A – Control Group

*Group B – Experimental Group

Table 4 shows the paired t - results on compressive strength of the set ups. The

parameters used for the statistical treatment are shown. The table parameters presented that

Group A had a lower compressive strength with a mean of 0.92 Mpa, while Group B had a higher

compressive strength with a mean of 1.67 Mpa. Furthermore, the standard deviation of Group A

is 0 while Group B had 0.396.

The t - value gained was -3.33, while the p - value was 4.303 which is higher than the level

of significance, 0.05. Thus, the researchers accept the null hypothesis that there is no significant

difference between the proposed concrete mixture with rice husk ash and chicken feathers and

the ordinary concrete mixture with cement and sand in terms of the measured physical quantities.
 41

Table 5
Result of Statistical Treatment for Water Absorption Difference of the Samples

Verbal
Paired t-test Standard Decision Interpretatio
Results Mean Deviation (σ) t-value p-value on H0 n

Water 5.90 0
No significant
Absorption of -2.98 4.303 Accept
difference
Group A and B

7.84 1.27
Note: *Group A – Control Group

*Group B – Experimental Group

Table 5 shows the paired t-test result on water absorption of the set ups. The parameters

used for the statistical treatment are shown. The table parameters presented that Group A had a

lower water absorption with a mean of 5.90% while Group B had a high water absorption with a

mean of 7.84%. Furthermore, the standard deviation of Group A is 0.69 while Group B has 1.27.

The t - value gained was -2.98, while the p - value was 4.303 which is higher than the level

of significance, 0.05. Thus, the researchers accept the null hypothesis that there is no significant

difference between the proposed concrete mixture with rice husk ash and chicken feathers and

the ordinary concrete mixture with cement and sand in terms of the measured physical quantities.

All of the measured parameters of the specimens have reported that there is no significant

difference between the experimental and control group. Having no significant difference in the

compressive strength and water absorption makes our experiment not deviate from the normal

concrete blocks and can be used to form walls, floors, and foundations like houses or buildings

without having any worries when it comes to the properties of the concrete being the same as the

normal concrete.
 42

3. What can be produced from a concrete mixture containing rice husk ash and chicken

feathers?

The proposed concrete material that will be the output of the study is to make a concrete

cylinder that will make use of the poultry waste materials, specifically chicken feathers and rice

husk ash. The final product was created using the same concrete mixture that was evaluated in

the laboratory through using the experimental equipment. The concrete cylinder had the same

radius but was only half as tall as the concrete specimens that had been tested. To ensure that

the concrete received equivalent procedures, the concrete cylinder was created alongside the

evaluated concrete specimens. At the same time as additional concrete cylinders were being

constructed, another concrete cylinder was being produced to replicate the mixture used in the

control setup. The experimental group and control group may differ from each other when it comes

to physical appearance but they have almost the same qualities of the properties of the concrete

cylinders. In order to fully compare the different aspects physically, the two concrete cylinders

that were created as the result are shown side by side in the presentation.
 43

Chapter V
SUMMARY, FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter presents the summary of the objectives and the methodology, the salient

findings, the conclusions drawn from the findings, and recommendations.

Summary

The study compared the physical properties of a concrete specimen between the ratio of

1:6 cement to sand mixture and ratio of 1:5:3:7 cement to rice husk ash to chicken feathers

mixture. Specifically, this study aimed to answer the following questions:

1. What are the measured physical differences between the proposed concrete brick mixture

of 1:5.3:7 cement, rice husk, and chicken feathers and the conventional concrete brick

mixture of 1:6 cement to sand ratio in terms of;

1.1. Compressive strength;

1.2. Water absorption?

2. Is there a significant difference between the proposed concrete mixture of 1:5.3:0.7 rice,

husk, sand, and chicken feathers ratio and the standard concrete brick mixture of 1:6

cement to sand ratio.

3. What can be produced from a concrete mixture containing rice husk ash and chicken

feathers?

The researchers utilized an experimental design in this study to analyze the difference

between the two concrete set ups in terms of compressive strength and water absorption. The

researchers did an experiment wherein the sand is replaced by rice husk and chicken feathers as

reinforcement in concrete making. To compare the proposed concrete ratio to the standard

concrete ratio, the researchers performed compressive strength tests and water absorption tests

after the concrete had been created. Data were collected and analyzed after being tested. Using

an independent t-test, the collected data were statistically treated and analyzed.
 44

Findings

The study tested and identified the differences between the standard 1:6 cement to sand

ratio concrete and the concrete with 1:5.3:0.7 cement, to rice husk ash, to chicken feather ratio.

1. The concrete specimen with 1:6 cement to sand ratio has a compressive strength mean

of 0.92 Mpa. The same specimen has a water absorption mean of 5.90%

2. The concrete specimen with 1:5.3:0.7 cement, to rice husk ash, to chicken feathers has a

compressive strength mean of 1.67 Mpa. The same specimen has a water absorption

mean of 7.84 %

3. The result of statistical analysis for sample differences in compressive strength, the t-

value is -3.33 and the p-value is 4.303, there is no significant difference between the

concrete specimen with 1:6 cement to sand ratio and the concrete specimen with 1:5.3:0.7

cement, to rice husk ash, to chicken feathers ratio in terms of compressive strength.

4. The result of statistical analysis for sample differences in water absorption, the t-value is

-2.98 and the p-value is 4.303, there is no significant difference between the concrete

specimen with 1:6 cement to sand ratio and the concrete specimen with 1:5.3:0.7 cement,

to rice husk ash, to chicken feathers ratio in terms of water absorption.

Conclusions

Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are made:

1. The difference in the properties of both groups of setups in terms of compressive

strength and water absorption could be greatly observed. The utilization of rice

husk ash in replacement of sand and the chicken feathers up to 10% of the

concrete’s volume has supported the effectiveness of the concrete mixture.

2. There is no significant difference between the concrete specimens with the ratio of

1:5:3:7 cement, to rice husk ash, to chicken feathers, in terms of compressive

strength and water absorption. In all of the tests, the researchers accepted the null

hypothesis.
 45

3. The result of the study shows that the rice husk ash can act as a replacement in

sand and chicken feathers can be utilized as reinforcement in the mixture of

concrete hollow blocks without weakening the structure.

Recommendations

Based on the study, the following recommendations are :

1. Conduct other testing procedure such as flexibility test, tensile test, slump test,

density test, and efflorescence test to further investigate and compare the concrete

specimen with 1:6 cement to sand ratio and concrete specimen with 1:5.3:0.7

cement, to rice husk ash, to chicken feathers ratio.

2. To further assess and compare the specimens, find additional testing facilities with

alternative testing methods.

3. To further understand the viability of the materials in other ratios, consider different

ratios and materials to be replaced.

4. Consider the curing days before subjecting the concrete for testing to make the

concrete more durable for testing and have good results when tested.

5. Consider other agricultural waste to maximize the use of agricultural waste in the

construction industry.
 i

APPENDICES
 ii

Appendix A

PRODUCING THE SPECIMEN

A. PREPARATION

B. MIXING

C. MOLDING
 iii

Appendix B

TESTING PROCEDURE

A. COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

B. WATER ABSORPTION
 iii

Appendix C

TESTING RESULT
v
vi
 vii

Appendix D

Table 6
Time Table

Planned December January February March April

Activities 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Research title
proposal

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Mock defense

Gathering
Materials

Preparing
Materials

Prototype making

Testing

Statistician
 viii

Finalizing paper

Final Defense

Grammarian

Book binding
 viii

Appendix E

Table 6
Budgetary Requirement

Item Description Cost (PHP)

I. Experiment Materials and Test System

Rice Husk (2 Sacks) 600.00
Chicken Feathers (1 Sack) 0.00
Cement (1 Sack) 280.00
Sand (1 Sack) 120.00
Testing 1,468.00

II. Equipments
PolyVinyl Chloride (PVC) Pipe 200.00

III. Transportation
500

IV. Other Supplies

Folders 60.00

V. Office Supplies
Photocopy 100.00

TOTAL 3,328.00
x
xi
xii
xiii