Physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties of agromarine waste ash
Published in Materials, Sustainability, and Mechanical Engineering
Turning Agro-Marine Waste into Valuable Industrial Materials
Did you know that everyday materials like plantain stems, eucalyptus wood, and periwinkle shells, often seen as waste, can be turned into powerful resources for building and manufacturing?
Our latest study explores how agro-marine waste ashes can be transformed into sustainable materials by carefully analyzing their physical, chemical, and mineral properties.
✅ What we studied:
We focused on ashes made from:
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Periwinkle Shells (PSP)
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Plantain Stems (PSA)
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Eucalyptus Wood (EWA)
Using advanced tools like X-ray fluorescence (XRF), SEM (microscopy), and XRD (mineral analysis), we discovered the unique characteristics of each type of ash, such as their bulk density, particle size, oxide composition, and surface structure.
🔍 Key Findings:
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PSP ash has high strength and density, ideal for load-bearing construction materials.
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PSA ash has fine particles and low moisture, perfect for mixing into cement and concrete.
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EWA ash is lightweight, great for insulation and other lightweight applications.
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All ashes contain useful compounds like calcium oxide (CaO), silica (SiO₂), and potassium oxide (K₂O) that enhance material performance.
💡 Why it matters:
Agro-marine waste is often burned or dumped, harming the environment. Our research shows a better path: turning waste into wealth by using it in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and agriculture.
This work supports the global move toward a circular economy, where nothing is wasted, and everything has value.
📖 Read the full study to see how ash from natural waste can power a more sustainable future.
📩 Interested in collaboration or application? Let’s connect!
Dr. Obinna Onyebuchi Barah is a highly experienced academic, researcher, and engineer with a specialized focus in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, and Sustainable Manufacturing. He brings a multidisciplinary approach to engineering challenges, integrating bio-based materials, circular economy principles, and advanced composite fabrication techniques.
Expertise:
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Composite Materials Engineering
Specializes in developing and optimizing AA6061 aluminum matrix composites reinforced with agro- and marine-based wastes such as plantain stem ash, eucalyptus wood ash, and periwinkle shell powder, using techniques like stir casting and compocasting. -
Tribomechanical & Environmental Analysis
Skilled in evaluating tensile, compressive, flexural, and wear properties, alongside SEM, XRD, and EDS characterizations for microstructural analysis. -
Sustainable Engineering Design
Applies Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), cost-benefit analysis, and objective test functions (OTFs) to enhance material sustainability and reduce environmental impact. -
Public Sector Procurement & Governance
Has deep academic and applied interest in sustainable procurement, policy co-production, and collaborative governance, especially in East African contexts like Uganda. -
Academic Writing & Q1 Journal Publication
Actively engaged in developing high-impact manuscripts on engineering innovation, social governance, and theory building. Known for submitting to Q1-ranked international journals.Research Interests:
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Circular Economy & Waste Valorization
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Advanced Composite Materials
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ICT E-Waste & Informal Sector Governance
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Engineering Education in Sub-Saharan Africa
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Digital Innovation in Public Sector Waste Management
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Comparative Case Studies (LMICs vs. OECD nations)
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