Potential of Orange Peel Ash as a Cement Replacement Material
Potential of Orange Peel Ash as a Cement Replacement Material

Summary/Abstract: The potential of Orange peel ash (OPA) as a cement replacement material was investigated with focus on the effect of OPA content on the physicomechnical properties such as consistency, setting times, soundness, compressive and flexural strengths of OPA-cement blend for cement replacement between 2.5-10% at 2.5% interval. The optimal calcination temperature and time of orange peel (OP) was achieved by calcining the OP at various temperature between (600 °C, 700 °C, 800 °C) and time (1 hr. and 2 hrs.) respectively. The chemical compositions of the various orange peel ashes were determined using X-ray fluorescence equipment and the optimal conditions was obtained at 600 °C and 2 hours. The consistency and setting time tests were conducted with a Vicat apparatus on the binary cement pastes in accordance to ASTM standards. Results indicated an increase in the water required for consistency as the OPA content was increased from 2.5-10 % which was attributed to the unburnt carbon content present in the ash. Similarly, a gradual increase in the cement replacement with OPA resulted in a prolonged setting time which was could be attributed to the diminution of the clinker content and the higher water requirement for normal consistence. The soundness of the OPA cement blend experienced an increase in free lime content as the OPA content rose from 2.5-10 %. Both compressive and flexural strengths were found to decrease as the OPA content was gradually increased whereas an increase in the strengths were observed as the curing days progressed. It was also observed that 5% cement replacement with OPA did not adversely affect the strength in comparison to the OPC control due to the pozzolanic reaction which resulted in the enhanced strengths especially at 28 days.

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