Optimization of Process Factors for the Production of Silica from Waste Bamboo Leaves Using Response Surface Methodology

Bamboo Leaves Residues (WBR) are mostly discharged through openburning which causes environmental pollution. In this study, the waste was valorized into production of sustainable material. The process factor to produce quality silica from WBL was achieved using optimization tool (Design Expert 12.0). The study aimed to optimize the ashing process factors such as temperature and time for the extraction of ash from Bamboo Leave residues. The ashing factors were optimized under the I-Optimal Design using the Response Surface Methodology (Design Expert Software 12.0.1). The factors range for the ashing of the dried waste bamboo leaves in muffle furnace are 600-750 °C and 3-6 h to form ash (Table 3.1). The experimental matrix was generated by the software. The responses investigated were ash yield and the silica content of the ash. The process factor to produce quality silica from WBL was achieved using optimization tool (Design Expert 12.0). The characterization of bamboo leaf ash was achieved using XRF to determine the silica content. The high silica content of 63.997% was discovered in run 8. The optimal ashing temperature and time for waste bamboo leaves was 750℃ and the best ashing time was 4.49 h.