Hollow Blocks And Other Uses Of Volcanic Ash

Hollow Blocks and Other Uses of Volcanic Ash

Who would think that the ashes from Volcanoes is not only a curse but a livelihood also. There is truth that God made all things in nature with goodness.

Researchers from Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) found that ashes from volcanic eruption naturally possessed materials that can be used in various industries.

For Example:

1. Concrete mixture for hollow blocks making - natural binding quality useful in hollow blocks making. This can be used instead of sand with a proportion of about 1:6 (one kilo ash in 6 kilos cement). This is formed into molds (example 4"x6). If hardened for 15 days, it is 35% lighter than the one made in ordinary method.

Because of the fineness of the ash, it goes to the smallest space that are being cemented, so the concrete using this is more solid. It becomes more durable through the years. It can be used in making dikes and medium height buildings.

2. Makes the top of asphalted road shiny.

3. In making bricks, this ash can be a substitute for clay for about 20% because it contains 63% silica.

4. For making glass and crystals - for the same silica and potassium oxide contents.

5. In making ceramics and glaze for tiles, lavatory and toilet bowl.

6. Filler for making plastics, rubber, insecticide and soil fertilizer. Aside from fertilizer, it is also a good conditioner for soil in pots, for example, anthurium, because it doesn't contain germs or animal pest, that's why it is cleaner.

7. Insulation material for making cushion because of its special characteristic of maintaining heat.

8. For cleaning dirt caused by oil and grease because it is a good absorber of this kind. And because of its characteristic that it can't be burned, this is good as covers for piles of oil wastes to prevent fire.

9. Like cleanser it is used in scrubbing and cleaning kitchen utensils such as pots, pans, dishes and others.

10. Can be made into figurines and other sculpture designs.

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