Research from India demonstrates that rice husk and sugarcane bagasse ash can replace part of cement in concrete, enhancing durability while lowering industrial carbon footprints.
Indian researchers have shown that two of the country’s most abundant agricultural residues, rice husk and sugarcane bagasse, can be transformed into ash and used to replace part of the cement in concrete, offering a route to lower-carbon construction materials with better waste management outcomes.
The study, published in Scientific Reports on 25 June and carried out by eight researchers from institutions including the Central Road Research Institute in New Delhi, Symbiosis International in Pune, Jamia Millia Islamia, Al-Falah University and King Faisal University in Saudi Arabia, found that a 10 per cent substitution of cement with rice husk ash raised compressive strength by 12.6 per cent, while the same replacement using sugarcane bagasse ash delivered an 8.2 per cent improvement over conventional concrete.
According to the researchers, the gains stem from a denser microstructure and stronger chemical reactivity and bonding within the concrete matrix. That aligns with wider academic work on agricultural ash-based binders, which has repeatedly pointed to the pozzolanic properties of rice husk ash and sugarcane bagasse ash as a means of improving strength, durability and resistance to chloride and acid attack.
The significance for industrial decarbonisation is clear. Cement production remains one of the most carbon-intensive parts of the building value chain, so even partial substitution with waste-derived ash can help cut embodied emissions while diverting biomass from disposal pathways that often create pollution. India generates more than 100 million metric tonnes of biomass waste a year, and rice husk and sugarcane bagasse are among the largest streams.
The study also fits into a broader body of research on sustainable construction materials. Other published work has found that blends of rice husk ash and sugarcane bagasse ash can improve self-compacting concrete, while recent studies suggest that carefully processed agricultural ashes can raise durability, reduce permeability and, in some mixes, match or exceed the performance of ordinary Portland cement over time.
The same research group highlighted biomass gasification as another route for turning agricultural residues into energy and value-added products. In that process, biomass is partially oxidised in limited oxygen to produce syngas, which can be used for power generation and other applications. The researchers argued that ash recovered from such residues could support green concrete manufacturing, linking waste-to-energy and low-carbon materials in a circular approach.
For construction and heavy industry, the appeal lies in scale as much as chemistry. If residue-derived ash can be produced consistently and at sufficient quality, it could become a practical supplementary cementitious material, helping builders and infrastructure developers reduce emissions without sacrificing performance.
- https://www.chinimandi.com/rice-husk-and-sugarcane-residue-can-be-used-to-produce-eco-friendly-concrete-indian-scientists-make-major-breakthrough/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061820337570 – This study investigates the use of rice husk ash (RHA) and sugarcane bagasse ash (BA) as partial sand replacements in self-compacting concrete (SCC). The findings indicate that incorporating a blend of RHA and BA enhances the pozzolanic activity of the concrete, leading to improved mechanical properties and reduced environmental impact. The research highlights the potential of these agricultural residues in producing sustainable construction materials, offering a viable solution to the challenges posed by the disposal of such biomass waste.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2214785320344278 – This review examines the applications of sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) in producing eco-friendly concrete. It discusses the pozzolanic properties of SBA, its impact on concrete’s mechanical strength, workability, and durability. The study also compares SBA with other agricultural by-products like rice husk ash, emphasizing its potential as a supplementary cementitious material. The findings suggest that SBA can effectively enhance concrete properties, contributing to sustainable construction practices by reducing reliance on traditional cement and promoting the recycling of agricultural waste.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/13/9/2394 – This research explores the effects of agricultural waste ashes, including rice husk ash (RHA) and sugarcane bagasse ash (BA), on the properties and microstructure of high-strength self-compacted self-curing concrete. The study demonstrates that incorporating these ashes as partial cement substitutes enhances concrete durability, resistance to chlorides and acids, and reduces permeability. The high content of amorphous silica in these ashes increases Calcium–Silicate–Hydrate (C-S-H) levels, thereby improving concrete strength. The findings support the use of agricultural waste ashes in producing sustainable and durable concrete materials.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061825044745 – This study examines the use of high-carbon content rice husk (RHA) and sugarcane bagasse (SCBA) ashes in cementitious materials. By blending these ashes with a highly porous RHA produced through controlled calcination, the research enhances the hydration kinetics and consumption of calcium hydroxide in cement pastes and concrete. The findings indicate that ternary blends of these ashes can exceed the strength of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) at 28 and 100 days of curing, leading to matrix densification with reduced absorption and porosity. The study highlights the synergistic effects of these blends in improving concrete properties.
- https://www.atlantis-press.com/proceedings/ic-amdfa-24/126024665 – This study investigates the development and evaluation of geopolymer concrete produced using agro-waste ashes—specifically rice husk ash (RHA), sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA), and cow dung ash (CDA)—as sustainable binder alternatives. The research explores the potential of these agricultural residues in creating eco-friendly construction materials, focusing on their mechanical properties and environmental benefits. The findings suggest that incorporating these ashes into geopolymer concrete can enhance its performance, offering a promising approach to sustainable construction practices by utilising agricultural waste.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-36190-1 – This research explores the engineering behaviour of geopolymer concrete formulated with sugarcane bagasse ash, rice husk ash, and cow dung ash as aluminosilicate sources, further strengthened with basalt fibres in varying amounts (0–2.5%). The study demonstrates that incorporating these agro-industrial by-products into geopolymer concrete not only utilises waste materials but also enhances the mechanical properties of the concrete. The findings support the development of sustainable construction materials by integrating agricultural residues and fibre reinforcement, contributing to eco-friendly building practices.
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emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
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warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The article was published on 29 June 2026, which is within the past week, indicating freshness. However, the content closely mirrors a press release from ChiniMandi dated 29 June 2026, suggesting potential recycling of material.
Quotes check
Score:
6
Notes:
The article includes specific figures and claims, such as a 10% substitution of cement with rice husk ash leading to a 12.6% increase in compressive strength. These figures are consistent with similar studies; however, without direct access to the original study, the exact wording of quotes cannot be independently verified.
Source reliability
Score:
5
Notes:
The article originates from ChiniMandi, a niche publication focusing on the sugar industry. While it may have expertise in the field, its reach and reputation are limited compared to major news organisations.
Plausibility check
Score:
7
Notes:
The claims about using rice husk and sugarcane bagasse ash to replace part of the cement in concrete align with existing research. However, the article lacks specific details about the study’s methodology, sample sizes, and statistical significance, which are crucial for assessing the validity of the claims.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The article presents claims about using rice husk and sugarcane bagasse ash in concrete, which align with existing research. However, it closely mirrors a press release from ChiniMandi, raising concerns about originality and potential recycling of content. The lack of specific details about the study’s methodology and the reliance on a single, niche source for verification further diminish the article’s credibility. Given these issues, the content cannot be fully verified, and publishing is not covered under our indemnity.
