Novel Investigations on Potential of Balanites Aegyptiaca and Sesamum Indicum for Surfactant Preparation and Application in Foam Concret
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2023
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Abstract
Synthetic surfactants commonly used in foam concrete production is reported to exhibit serious environmental threat. Hence utilization of natural surfactants could present new sight in improving the environmental impact of foam concrete. However, studies on valorization and extraction of natural surfactants from different plant and animal sources for use in foam concrete is very scarce from Indian context. Considering the above facts, the current study aims to use natural surfactants valorized and extracted from two different biological sources, namely sesame seed (rich in protein) and hingot fruit (rich in saponin) as prospective supplementary alternative to conventional synthetic foaming agents in foam concrete production. Balanites aegyptiaca also known as hingot is found all over the world and studies on phytochemistry of various parts of plant indicate that fruit, seeds and bark part of plant has 22-27% of saponin. Adding to above, excellent plant's adaptability, high yield features and abundant availability are other added reasons for selection of this plant for this study as it can add economical as well as environmental benefits. Another plant source used for surfactant extraction in the present study is Sesamum indicum commonly known as sesame seed. Studies have proved that sesame seed has rich protein content of 20 to 25% and hence has excellent potential foamability. Despite the huge potential foamability of above surfactants (sesame and hingot), it is surprising to find that to date, its potential has not been assessed for use in foam concrete production. The first phase of present study comprises of the optimization of surfactant extraction and foam production processes through systematic experiment design based on response surface methodology (RSM). The possible response surface models have been developed for prediction of various foam and surfactant characteristics such as initial foam density (IFD), foam stability, foam bubble size and viscosity of surfactant solution. The validity of models is tested by ANOVA and verified experimentally. Analysis of influence of various input parameters on responses indicated that surfactant concentration has significant effect on all the responses studied. Further the parameters associated with heating process (heating temperature and duration) also have substantial influence on various foam and surfactant characteristics as it promotes the hydrolysis of protein and saponin. The obtained results established that increase in surfactant concentration, heating temperature and heating duration resulted in increase in viscosity of surfactant solution eventually leading to reduction in foam liquid fraction, foam drainage and bubble size. Hence good correlation is established between above mentioned foam and surfactant parameters. Furthermore, performance of surfactants in foam cement paste was assessed and ASTM requirements are found to be met confirming foam stability. The outcomes of the present study could help the industry to gain confidence in the usage of recommended natural surfactant for foam concrete production.
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Supervisor: Ranjani, G Indu Siva