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BLOCKS FROM LIME, CLAY AND SAND

The National Institute of Science and Technology was able to produce blocks that does not need to be ignited. This block is rectangular in shape with curve on sides and can be tied on bond. It measures 8″ x 8″ x 6″.

The provinces of La Union, Bulacan, Batangas, and Quezon and Negros Occidental have four (4) kinds of “non-metallic ores” deposit that can be used. The clay and limestone can be found in almost anywhere in the country, but the gravel and sand are abundant in Regions III, IV, VI and X.

Raw Materials: clay, lime, sand, gravel, water

Tools needed: pickax, shovel, wire strainer, wooden mold

Procedure

1. Crush blocks of clay with a pick. With a wire strainer, remove the wastes like stones, roots, twigs and others.
2. Strain the lime and sand separately to set aside bigger pieces.
3. Mix well five (5) boxes of clay, two (2) boxes of lime and two (2) boxes of sand.
4. Gradually add water until desired mixture is attained. The mixture should not be too wet or too dry to maintain the shape of blocks when placed in mold.
5. Put in wooden molds and press hard until all the spaces are filled up. Scrape excess in molds.
6. Remove blocks on mold and let it stay under the shade for three days. Then dry under the sun for (3) three more days.

HOLLOW BLOCKS AND OTHER USES OF VOLCANIC ASH

Who would think that the ashes from Mt. Pinatubo 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 does not contain germs or animal pest, that is 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 not 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.

Uses of Bloated Volcanic Ash

When the ash of volcano bloat by means of heating this between 1600°F-1700°F, cool it first, then crush slowly (so it will not be in powdered form) the uses of this are the following:

1. Filter medium. Crushed or whole, it can be used to filter water, syrup, beer and wine, fruit juices and the like, fats of animal or plants, imperfect varnish, machine oil, chemical used in dry cleaning and liquid wastes from factories.

2. For walls and ceilings. Because of its distinctive quality of lightness and sound proofness it can be used as ingredient for wall finish and plastic board.

“Fireproof” Tiles for Roofing and Walling from Pinatubo Ash

Procedure

• Boil bloated ash and binder or mixed glue.
• Press the mixture.
• Cook in 200°F (93°C) heat.
• Paint a fire resistant paint so as not to pulverize. This happen if the pressure and heat is not enough or low and with not enough binder, there seems to have dust on top.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

For more information, contact:

Dept. of Science and Technology
Rm. 303 DOST Bldg., DOST Complex,
Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City 1631
Telephone Nos: (632) 837-20-71 to 82
Fax: (632) 837-8937
Web: www.dost.gov.ph

photo from constructionresources.com

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