Effects of ultrasonic surface treatment on rice husk carbon

Abstract

In this study, the different effects of ultrasonic surface treatment on rice husk carbon (RHC) were studied. The RHC was treated by ultrasound in water, silane, and polyphosphoric acid. Particle size, chemical changes of the surface, dispersion, and surface area were all investigated. The ultrasonic treatment in acid increased the hydrophilicity of RHC. The ultrasonic treatment in silane produced silanol having amphiphilic property. The surface treatment of RHC in a water and acid medium with ultrasound increased the surface area and pore volume of RHC. Therefore, it is expected that the ultrasonically treated RHC as a biofiller is an effective substitute to commercial filler. This would have a positive effect both economically and environmentally.