Cement Bricks from Rice Husk Ash

The APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University in Thiruvananthapuram has begun assisting in the development of the technology for making cement bricks from rice husk ash. The university has started a program to support Kalady Rice Millers Consortium Pvt Ltd (KRMC), a consortium of 36 rice mill owners established to act as a single facilitation hub for the rice milling industry. The center was established under the ministry of MSMEs' flagship scheme, the micro small businesses- cluster development program (MSE-CDP) The University’s industry attachment cell is helping with the research. Rice husk is being touted as an alternative to cement making, which is costly, energy intensive, and pollutes natural resources. The use of rice husk in large amounts, such as open-field burning and unregulated dumping, has also exacerbated environmental problems, which is the explanation for why rice husk cement has gained traction in the construction industry.