Republic of the Philippines

Region IX, Zamboanga Peninsula

Division of City Schools
DON PABLO LORENZO MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL
Gov. Ramos Ave. Sta. Maria
Zamboanga City

CORN LEAF ASHES (Zea mays linnaeus) AS A COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH FOR CONCRETE

CLOWIE DENISE PATUN-OG

PHYSICAL SCIENCE – INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY
8 – STE A

THIS RESEARCH PROPOSAL IS PRESENTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT

OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPLETION OF
STE SCIENCE RESEARCH II SUBJECT

DON PABLO LORENZO MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL

ZAMBOANGA CITY

FEBRUARY 2024
 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The use of concrete is extremely important to the field of construction. Concrete has advantages,
but it can also have downsides. The negative effect of concrete is due to the use of cement as concrete
materials (M Aswin, E S Maranatha and L Nola, 2021). The total cement consumption in 2017 was 66.3
million tons, where cement consumption increased 7% from the previous year (Indonesian Center for
Economic and Business Data, 2019). Negative impacts due to the usage of cement range from the usage
of raw materials, to the manufacturing process, to the effects of ash pollution caused, and the following
effect that attracts the most attention of most is the process of making cement since during this process,
global warming may be accelerated by carbon dioxide gas (CO₂) (M Aswin et al., 2021).

Cement production exceeds 4 billion tones yearly, the processes of heat and chemical combustion that go
into making cement are a significant contributor to carbon dioxide gas (CO ₂) emissions, accounting for
around 8% of yearly worldwide carbon dioxide gas (CO₂) emissions (Lehne & Preston, 2018). As the
greenhouse effect is talked about, it is established that CO ₂ is a major contributor and therefore
responsible for global warming of the planet (P R Lustosa, M S Magalhães, 2019). The environmental
damage of cement production is considerably higher; it contributes to approximately 7% of global CO ₂
emissions (Mehta, 1999).

Ash, which is released into the atmosphere as the final impact, causes respiratory illnesses, since corn is
grown almost everywhere in Indonesia. Indonesia produced 30 million tons of corn in 2018 (Ministry of
Agriculture, 2019). Corn leaf waste can be found on agricultural land, trash accumulates and is dispersed
across the surface of the ground, which can reduce the beauty of the surrounding area, in the making of
concrete, numerous advancements have been made, to be able to strive for and produce concrete that has
an environmentally friendly building material called green concrete (M Aswin et al., 2021). If the usage
of cement in all jobs is changed to wastes by 25-30%, it will then reduce the emissions by 2% (Waani J E,
Elisabeth L, 2017).

In encouraging the concept of green concrete, multiple ideas have been proposed to use organic wastes as
a substitute for cement such as rice husk ash, bagasse ash, oil palm shells, palm oil leaves, and others (M
Aswin et al., 2021). The reason for the usage of organic ash as a substitute for cement in the concrete
mixture is because generally organic wastes have silica oxide (Lubis L S K, 2004). Silica oxide will react
with calcium hydroxide, which results to the hydration reaction between cement and water, then calcium
silicate hydrate (CSH) is produced, which increases the concrete compressive strength (Putra D, 2006).
Calcium hydroxide (CaOH₂) can cause the concrete to be porous and easily penetrated by water,
otherwise calcium silicate hydrate is solid (Tjokrodimulyo K 2007).
Based on the above descriptions, this study will investigate utilizing corn leaf ash as a compressive
strength material (CRM) for green concrete.

Objectives of the Study

The study aims to test the use of (Zea mays linnaeus) as a compressive strength for concrete.

Specifically, it aims to:

1. Determine the effectiveness of using corn leaf ash as a compressive strength material (CRM) for

green concrete compared to traditional cement in terms of its impact on carbon dioxide (CO ₂) emissions

reduction during the production process.

2. Determine the long-term durability and structural integrity of green concrete incorporating corn leaf

ash as a (CRM) compared to conventional concrete over time, particularly in terms of resistance to water

penetration and degradation.

Research Hypotheses

Using corn leaf ash as a compressive strength material (CRM) in green concrete formulations will

lead to a reduction in carbon dioxide (CO₂) by mitigating the negative environmental impacts of cement

manufacturing. The incorporation of corn leaf ash into green concrete mixtures will enhance structural

properties, such as compressive strength. Therefore, the green concrete containing corn leaf ash will

demonstrate improved environmental sustainability and structural performance compared to conventional

concrete.

Significance of the Study

This study shows how traditional concrete production affects the environment, mainly due to its

heavy use of cement, which releases a lot of carbon dioxide (CO₂). By exploring alternatives like green
concrete, which uses organic waste materials like corn leaf ash instead of cement, we hope to reduce CO₂

emissions and lessen the negative impact of concrete production on nature. This shift to green concrete

not only addresses environmental concerns but also offers a more sustainable approach to building. Using

corn leaf ash as a compressive strength material (CRM) allows us to reuse agricultural waste, reducing

overall waste while improving the strength and durability of concrete structures. Ultimately, this research

aims to promote eco-friendly building methods and encourage more sustainable construction practices.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This research study will be conducted at 2nd street, San Roque Subdivision, San Roque,

Zamboanga city, Zamboanga Delsur, Mindanao, 7000. The corn leaves (Zea mays) that will be used as the

primary material of this research study will be bought at KCC Mall De Zamboanga, Gov. Camins Avenue.

The research component will be using is Sweet corn. The test will be compressive strength for this study.

Definition of Terms

Concrete- A mixture of cement, water, aggregates (such as sand and gravel), and sometimes additives,

used in construction for building structures like buildings, roads, and bridges.

Cement- A binder substance used in concrete that hardens and binds other materials together. It is

typically made from limestone, clay, and other minerals, and is a major component of concrete.

Environmental impact- The effects of human activities on the natural environment, including pollution,

habitat destruction, and climate change.

Organic wastes- Biodegradable materials derived from plants or animals, often considered waste

products, but can be repurposed for environmental benefits.

Compressive strength- The ability of a material to withstand compression or squeezing forces without

breaking or collapsing, an important property for assessing the strength and durability of concrete

structures.

References
- Mulyono T 2003 Concrete Technology.
- Indonesian Center for Economic and Business Data 2019.
- Lehne J, Preston F 2018 Catham House Report Making Concrete Change Innovation in
Lowcarbon
- Cement and Concrete Catham House Report pp 1–122.
- Waani J E, Elisabeth L 2017 Substitution of Pozolan Material on Cement in Cement Mix
- Performance 24 237–246.
- Lubis L S K 2004 the Effect of Use of Rice Husk Ash as a Cement Substitution Material on
- Compressive Strength and Tensile Strength of Concrete Thesis Medan Univeersitas Sumatera
- Utara.
- Putra D 2006 the Addition of Husk Ash Concrete in Anticipation of Damage due to Magnesium
- Sulfate of Sea Water 10 195–203.
- Tjokrodimulyo K 2007 Concrete Technology.
- Octiva C S, Irvan, Sarah M, Trisakti B and Daimon H 2018 Rasayan J. Chem, 11(2) 791-797