Palm Kernel Shell Ash As A Soil Stabilizing Agent And Its Optimum Calcine Temperature

The correct assessment of agricultural by-products as soil stabilizing agents requires an in-depth knowledge of their characteristics. In thermally activated products the calcine conditions have an important influence on the properties and later behaviours of cementitious matrices. This study was carried out to determine the effect of calcine conditions on the properties of Palm Kernel Shell Ash PKSA. The Calcine conditions considered were 200oC 400oC 600oC 800oC and atmospheric condition. Investigations were conducted using GBC Sens AA dual double beam Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer AAS with flame emission capability in order to provide a complete understanding of the chemical properties of the calcined Palm Kernel Shell as well as the possibility of using it as a pozzolan or in blended cement. The test for pozzolanicity was also considered according to BS EN 196-5. The result showed that the material is pozzolanic even though the chemical properties are affected by the thermal conditions. Finally it was established that the optimum calcine temperature is 200oC on the bases of the chemical compositions of the material after calcinations.