Composite Behavior of Bagasse Ash Stabilized Expansive Soil with Sodium Benzophenone Under Curing Conditions

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 06 | Page : 1134 1146
    By

    Moulya H V,

  • Vishvachetan S G,

  • Hitha Chowdary,

  • Geetha L,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Nitte Deemed to be University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  2. Research Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Nitte Deemed to be University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  3. Research Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Nitte Deemed to be University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  4. Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Abstract

The present investigation examines the development of a hybrid composite using Black Cotton (BC) soil, Bagasse Ash (BA), and Sodium Benzophenone (SBP) as performance-enhancing elements. Different ratios of BA, a silica-rich agro-industrial by-product, were added to improve pozzolanic reactivity and particle size distribution (0%, 6%, and 12%). SBP was added in the range of 0–0.6% as a compatibilizer in order to enhance interfacial adhesion, particle cohesivity and moisture-assisted deterioration resistance. Composite specimens were prepared by applying controlled compaction and tested for their engineering behavior using Standard Proctor test, Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) tests and microstructural examination by adopting Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The best packing was observed at 10% BA and 0.2% SBP, which gave the highest dry density and optimum moisture content. A more pronounced strength increase was observed according to the results of the UCS test, where the maximum value at 10%BA and 0.4%SBP after 30 days curing, exceeded over 60 per cent improvement in strength compared with untreated BC soil. SEM images showed a dense paste with fewer pores and stronger particle contact, caused by BA’s pozzolanic reaction and SBP’s chemical modification. These results show that blending agro-waste with chemical processing produces strong and economical composite material. This material displays excellent compaction properties, gradual strength improvement, and intact microstructure, suggesting significant promise for eco-friendly engineering and structural uses requiring increased longevity and weight-bearing capability.

Keywords: Composite materials, soil stabilization, bagasse ash, sodium benzophenone, expansive soil, pozzolanic reaction, compaction behavior, unconfined compressive strength.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer & Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Moulya H V, Vishvachetan S G, Hitha Chowdary, Geetha L. Composite Behavior of Bagasse Ash Stabilized Expansive Soil with Sodium Benzophenone Under Curing Conditions. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2025; 13(06):1134-1146.
How to cite this URL:
Moulya H V, Vishvachetan S G, Hitha Chowdary, Geetha L. Composite Behavior of Bagasse Ash Stabilized Expansive Soil with Sodium Benzophenone Under Curing Conditions. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2025; 13(06):1134-1146. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=234443


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Special Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 13
Special Issue 06
Received 08/08/2025
Accepted 03/09/2025
Published 16/12/2025
Publication Time 130 Days
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