Development and Evaluation of Nanophase Silica as Super Pozzolan for Applications in Ultra-High Performance Concrete Mixtures

The principal objective of the proposed USDA SBIR Phase I project is to develop the use of Nanophase Silica (NS), a product derived from processing of agricultural waste, as a key ingredient in Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) formulations to achieve very high strength, durability and dimensional stability (i.e. no shrinkage or expansion without cracking). Also, the excess energy/steam from heating of rice hulls will be calculated for in-house, residential and industry usage. At present, silica fume is being used as the primary ingredient to serve as a high reactivitypozzolan in UHPC formulations. Nanophase Silica due to its chemical and mineralogical composition and its unique cellular physical structures offers both the pozzolanic reactivity and a potential to serve as an internal curing agent that reduces shrinkage and cracking in UHPC. Silica fume, in contrast can only serve as a high reactivity pozzolan and due to high specific surface area and water demand tends to increase the shrinkage and the associated potential to cracking.After successful completion of Phase I, we will file US and global patents. We have a good team that consists of soil chemist, chemical engineer, civil engineer/cement chemistand Board of Advisors that can bring the technology to USA and global markets. This will generate revenue for USA rice millsand ultimatelyfor rice growing farmers.