Fabrication and evaluation of rice hull derived nano silica/silicon carbide composites

Author

Ganesh Ayalasomayajula

Abstract

"Naturally occurring materials or materials derived from Mother Nature share an indispensable relationship with the mankind. The greatest of the inventions and discoveries were either inspired by Nature or were found in Nature. Materials made from natural wastes not only solve the disposal problem but also provide an answer to the increasing important question related to sustainable supply of useful materials to society. Rice hull, a low value by product of rice production represents a natural material of considerable potential. Rice hull is the covering that protects the rice seed. A number of industrially important materials for the emerging field of nanotechnology could be derived from this natural material.

The research described in this thesis was directed at generation of nano scale silica and silicon carbide from rice hull and incorporation of these materials in composite structures. Results showed that with appropriate chemical and thermal treatment rice hull yields nano scale silica with diameters ranging from 10 - 30nm and high aspect ratio nanoscale silicon carbide whiskers. Results also showed that incorporation of these materials in composite structure led to a significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the composites. A 68.26 % increase in Youngs Modulus was obtained for a 40 % reinforcement of Silica in EPON and 67.6 % increase in Youngs Modulus was obtained for a 40 % reinforcement of SiC"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Flanigan, V. J.

Committee Member(s)

Kapila, Shubhender
Chandrashekhara, K.

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

2004

Pagination

xi, 68 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 62-67).

Rights

© 2004 Ganesh Ayalasomayajula, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Rice hulls -- Research
Nanostructures
Silica
Silicon carbide

Thesis Number

T 8620

Print OCLC #

62231190

Link to Catalog Record

Electronic access to the full-text of this document is restricted to Missouri S&T users. Otherwise, request this publication directly from Missouri S&T Library or contact your local library.

Recommended Citation

Ayalasomayajula, Ganesh, "Fabrication and evaluation of rice hull derived nano silica/silicon carbide composites" (2004). Masters Theses. 5805.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/5805