PHYSICO-CHEMICALANALYSIS OF THE CASHEW NUT PRODUCTION WASTE AIMING THEIR USE IN CEMENT COMPOSITES

Abstract

Ashes have a prominent place among the agroindustrial wastes, as they result from the energy generationprocess. Most ashes have pozzolanic activity, and may be used as a cement replacement material,resulting in less energy waste and low cost composite. The present paper investigates the physical andchemical properties of cashew nut shell ash (CNSA) by the following measurement tests: chemicalanalysis, bulk density, specific mass, leaching and solubilization process, X-Ray diffraction (XRD),scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and specific surface area (BET). A low content of silicon (SiO2)was observed by means of the chemical tests and heavy metals were found in the analysis of the CNSAsolubilized extract. These results will be important for the determination of the pozzolanicity of CNSA ina next stage, as well as the development of a new product for civil building reducing the solubilization ofthe CNSA in the environment.Keywords: Cashew nut ashes; Agroindustrial waste; X-Ray diffraction; SEM; Surface area.1 Federal University of São Carlos- UFSCAR, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.2 São Paulo University - FZEA/ USP - Pirassununga, SP, Brazil.BioEng, Campinas, v.3 n.3, p.191-200, Set/Dez., 2009