Improving the grindability of rice husk-based green silica through pyrolysis process optimization employing the Taguchi method and response surface methodology

Abstract

In the context of the energy crisis, the optimal utilization of clean agricultural waste is of growing significance. This study employs a cost-effective method to obtain high-purity amorphous bio-based silica (RHA-SiO2) from rice husk ash (RHA) post pyrolysis. Leveraging the Taguchi method and response surface method (RSM) for the first time, this research utilizes pyrolysis and torrefaction temperatures as key determinants for the RHA-SiO2 particle size. Through an L36 (22 × 32) orthogonal test, key influencing factors were recognized. Subsequent optimization employed the central composite sequential (CCC) analysis, resulting in an interaction model that was experimentally validated with 96% to 99% accuracy. Such advanced techniques allow for a greater accuracy to be achieved in RHA-SiO2 extraction systems.