Investigating the Influence Biomass Additive on the Thermal Performance of a Fired-Clay for Producing the Inner Liner of a Biomass Cook-Stove

This study investigated the influence of a biomass additive on the thermal performance of the inner liner of fired-clay cook-stoves. Fired-clay cook-stoves are essential cooking devices, particularly in areas with limited access to modern energy resources. The study aimed to enhance the thermal efficiency of the cook-stoves by incorporating rice husk into the inner liner material. The shrinkage, porosity, bulk density, thermal conductivity and heat retention performance of the produced fired-clay were evaluated. Different proportions of rice husk mixed with clay were examined to determine the desired combinations. It was found that the sample with 30% rice husk has apparent porosity of 71.41% and bulk density of 0.995343g/cm3 and that of the sample with no rice husk, was 41.38% and 1.526922g/cm3 respectively. The results indicated improvement in thermal insulation performance with the rice husk additive, and thus improved combustion efficiency of the cook-stove. This study offered a valuable insight in using rice husk as a sustainable biomass additive to enhance insulation performance of a fired-clay for producing cook-stoves, thereby contributing in producing a more efficient and environmentally friendly cooking device. The use of rice husk as a biomass additive offers additional environmental benefits, as such re-purposing the use of agricultural waste and emission mitigation of greenhouse gases.