Low-density kaolinitic ceramic proppants based on rice husk ash

ANAYA, RICARDO; CARRANZA, M. BELÉN; BOOTH, FERNANDO; HERNÁNDEZ, MARÍA F.; MOCCIARO, ANABELLA; RICHARD, DIEGO; RENDTORFF, NICOLÁS M.

CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL

ELSEVIER SCI LTD

Año: 2025 vol. 51 p. 25473 - 25486

0272-8842

This work evaluates the feasibility of producing ceramic proppants from traditional raw materials and using rice husk ash as part of their composition. Different ceramic mixtures were formulated and sintering conditions were defined considering optical dilatometric, differential thermal and thermogravimetric analysis. The obtained materials were characterized by international standards for proppants, and also by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and individual diametrical compression tests. The resulting ceramic material is mainly composed of mullite, cristobalite and glass phases. Low density proppants (2.4–2.5 g/cm3) and good breakage ratio (3.6 wt% at 5000 psi, or 34.5 MPa) were obtained. Furthermore, these proppants could be competitive considering their low-cost processing route and inexpensive raw materials. Reusing waste to promote environmentally friendly manufacturing processes is a fundamental requirement in circular economy practices.