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Physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties of agromarine waste ash

This study explores how agro-marine waste like periwinkle shells, plantain stems, and eucalyptus wood can be turned into useful ash. By analyzing their properties with scientific tools, the research shows that these are useful in several industries and support environmental sustainability.

Published in Materials, Sustainability, and Mechanical Engineering

Go to the profile of Dr. Obinna O Barah
Dr. Obinna O Barah
Lecturer/Researcher, Kampala International University, Western Campus
Physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties of agromarine waste ash
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Physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties of agromarine waste ash - Discover Materials

Agro-marine waste presents environmental challenges, demanding sustainable solutions. This study explores the potential of ashes from periwinkle shells, plantain stems, and eucalyptus wood for sustainable material use. Physical analyses reveal Periwinkle Shell Powder (PSP) with the highest bulk density (0.52–1.24 g/cm3) and specific gravity (2.05), ideal for load-bearing applications. Plantain Stem Ash (PSA) has a bulk density of 0.98 g/cm3 and fine particle sizes (< 45 µm), enhancing its pozzolanic activity for cementitious uses. Eucalyptus Wood Ash (EWA) shows a lower bulk density (0.2–1.0 g/cm3), suitable for lightweight applications like thermal insulation. Specific gravities are 2.62 (EWA), 2.67 (PSA), and 2.69 (PSP). Chemical analysis via X-ray fluorescence (XRF) identifies calcium oxide (CaO), silica (SiO₂), and potassium oxide (K₂O) as predominant oxides, driving pozzolanic reactivity. Trace amounts of magnesium oxide (MgO), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), and iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) enhance structural stability. PSA’s low moisture content (< 5%) ensures superior reactivity, while EWA’s slightly higher moisture (~ 1%) remains viable for low-moisture environments. Microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals porous, irregular surfaces, improving adsorption and bonding. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) confirms agglomerated particles and fine crystalline phases, supporting industrial use. These findings highlight agro-marine waste ash as a sustainable alternative for applications like supplementary cementitious materials, fillers, and adsorptive agents, offering a pathway for waste valorization and environmental sustainability.

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:

  • Periwinkle Shells (PSP)

  • Plantain Stems (PSA)

  • 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:

  • PSP ash has high strength and density, ideal for load-bearing construction materials.

  • PSA ash has fine particles and low moisture, perfect for mixing into cement and concrete.

  • EWA ash is lightweight, great for insulation and other lightweight applications.

  • 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!

Go to the profile of Dr. Obinna O Barah
Dr. Obinna O Barah (He/Him)
Lecturer/Researcher, Kampala International University, Western Campus

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:

  • 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:

    • Circular Economy & Waste Valorization

    • Advanced Composite Materials

    • ICT E-Waste & Informal Sector Governance

    • Engineering Education in Sub-Saharan Africa

    • Digital Innovation in Public Sector Waste Management

    • Comparative Case Studies (LMICs vs. OECD nations)

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Research Communities > Community > Sustainability
Renewable Energy
Technology and Engineering > Mechanical Engineering > Mechanical Power Engineering > Renewable Energy
Mechanical Properties of Materials
Physical Sciences > Materials Science > Materials Characterization Technique > Characterization and Analytical Technique > Mechanical Properties of Materials

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