Synthesis and characterization of magnesium silicate (MgSiO3) from rice husk ash and bittern

Abstract

The synthesis of magnesium silicate amorphous from bittern and sodium silicate solution has been successfully carried out. Silica and magnesium are from rice husk and bittern respectively as natural resources. The effect of bittern volume and furnace temperature on the characterization of magnesium silicate was studied. The effect of MgO and SiO2 content was observed at a range of furnace temperature from 300 to 700°C. The volume of bittern added to the sodium silicate solution was varied from 30 to 70 mL. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD), XRF and SEM analysis have confirmed the product is magnesium silicate with an amorphous structure where the composition of 15% MgO and 79.7% SiO2 (XRF) according to the standard can be met in 30 ml of bittern at a furnace temperature of 600C. Based on the elements from SEM EDX analysis, magnesium silicate is obtained 22% Mg and 33% Si. The firing temperature has little effect on the composition of MgO-SiO2 but is quite significant in the weight of the magnesium silicate obtained. Weight loss due to combustion along with increasing temperature but still <15%.