article · World Journal of Materials Science and Technology
Lateritic soil from Edo State, Nigeria, was tested for stabilization using combinations of plantain peel ash and nano-silica. Five soil mixtures were assessed through microstructural techniques including scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. A blend containing 5.0 percent plantain peel ash and 2.5 percent nano-silica formed the densest soil matrix, characterised by minimal voids and substantial formation of calcium silicate hydrate and calcium aluminate hydrate gels. Chemical analysis revealed this mixture contained high silica and alumina levels, driving strong pozzolanic reactions and advanced aluminosilicate bonding. Mechanical assessment showed this optimal combination achieved a California Bearing Ratio of 48.55 percent, whereas mixtures with plantain peel ash alone showed limited pozzolanic activity. Soils treated with nano-silica alone exhibited silica-driven cementation, though trace minerals in higher concentrations highlighted potential durability considerations.
Lateritic soils used in construction frequently require stabilization to support roads and buildings. By substituting standard chemical additives with a mixture of agricultural plantain waste and nano-silica, soil performance can be enhanced substantially. This offers a more sustainable approach to civil engineering, reducing reliance on conventional cementitious binders while repurposing organic waste materials.
This research could enable the production of alternative soil-stabilising blends for geotechnical and road construction applications. Potential users include civil engineering contractors, road builders, and construction materials manufacturers seeking sustainable soil additives. The study represents applied laboratory testing, meaning further field trials, scale-up work, and durability testing will be required before real-world commercial deployment can take place.
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Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), this study examines the microstructural changes of lateritic soil stabilized with plantain peel ash (PPA) and nano-silica (NS) from Ibienafe, South Ibie, Edo State, Nigeria. Sample 1 (2.5% PPA), Sample 2 (5.0% PPA), Sample 3 (2.5% NS), Sample 4 (5.0% PPA + 2.5% NS), and Sample 5 (5.0% NS) were the five dry weight soil mixes that were made. With extensive calcium silicate hydrate (C-SH) and calcium aluminate hydrate (C-A-H) gel formation, needle-like crystalline bridges, and few voids, Sample 4 showed the densest matrix, according to SEM analysis. This indicated strong pozzolanic bonding. EDX verified that Sample 4 had low carbon (3.70%) and high silica (15.45%) and alumina (16.46%), indicating optimal reactivity. Friedelite and DAP-O12 were detected by XRD in Sample 4, indicating advanced aluminosilicate bonding, whereas inert quartz and kaolinite were found in Samples 1 and 2, indicating limited pozzolanic activity. Although Sample 5 contained trace actinolite, indicating possible long-term durability concerns, Samples 3 and 5 showed cristobalite and alite, confirming silica-driven cementation. In Sample 4, the synergistic combination of 5.0% PPA and 2.5% NS produced the most robust microstructure and the highest California Bearing Ratio (48.55%), providing a sustainable and environmentally friendly method of lateritic soil stabilization for geotechnical applications. These results demonstrate how well agro-waste and nanomaterial blends can improve soil performance while supporting environmentally friendly building techniques.
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DOI: 10.11648/j.wjmst.20260303.13
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