Kazakh scientists found a new use for rice hulls

Scientists of the Kyzylorda University named after Korkyt Ata have developed a technology to produce biochar, silicon dioxide from rice husks, World of NAN reports referring to the press service of the Ministry of Education and Science of Kazakhstan.

Previously, after harvesting and processing the grain, thousands of tons of rice husks remained unused and were simply burned. But now, thanks to scientists, rice hulls and straw are used to make paper, activated charcoal, and biochar. The latter is actively used around the world as a biofertilizer to improve soil conditions and significantly reduce soil salinity.

"Silica is used in the production of glass, ceramics, abrasives, concrete products, to make toothpaste, cosmetics, optical fibers, etc. Typically, silica is produced from sand, but we have developed a technology to produce it from the husks of rice, that is, from waste rice. We grind rice hulls, dry them, then treat them with hydrochloric acid under microwave irradiation, thus accelerating the extraction of inorganic substances. Then we roast the rice hulls, gradually increasing the temperature in the oven from 300ºC to 800ºC. The result is pure, 100% silicon dioxide," said Professor Nurbol Appazov of Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University.

Scientists are looking for other rational ways to use rice hulls, which are abundant in the region.

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