Influence of Temperature on Mineral Evolution of Cocoa Pod Husk Ash

The transformation of agricultural residues into value-added materials is critical for sustainable development in low-income regions. This study investigates the mineral oxide evolution of Cocoa Pod Husk Ash (CPHA) subjected to thermal treatment at temperatures ranging from 500 °C to 800 °C at 50 oC step intervals. The resulting Cocoa Pod Husk Ash (CPHA) from the thermal treatment were tested using the X-ray fluorescent (XRF) and Fourier Transmission Infra-Red (FTIR) analysis for an examination of the influence of temperature on the oxide composition, physical characteristics, and subsequent application potential. The XRF results revealed CaO as the major oxide in CPHA, having its highest concentrations of 53.4% at 600 oC and 51.03% at 650 oC. The SiO2 content also varied as the burning temperature changes with a peak value of 20.6% at 650 oC. The FTIR indicated varied compound phases as the burning temperature differs with an inference that the 600 - 650 oC temperature is the best for good amorphous properties and that CPHA will be better used in conjunction with another reactive Pozzolan of high SiO2 content for good performance as a supplementary cementitious material.

Cocoa pod husk ash, calcination, mineral oxides, pozzolanic materials, sustainable construction.

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