The design idea aims to address several problems. Firstly, it tackles the underutilization of agricultural waste, specifically rice husk ash, in developing countries like Nigeria. By using rice husk ash as a filler in composite materials, the project helps reduce environmental pollution and associated health hazards caused by the disposal of rice husk ash. Additionally, the project seeks to provide an alternative to expensive and heavy ceramic floor tiles by developing epoxy-rice husk ash composites for pavement tile applications.
The potential benefits of this design idea include:

• Utilizing agricultural waste and reducing environmental pollution.
• Providing a cost-effective alternative to ceramic floor tiles.
• Developing lightweight composites with enhanced mechanical properties.
• Offering corrosion resistance and durability.
• Improving sustainability in the construction industry.

This idea would be applied in the construction industry, specifically in the production of pavement tiles. The epoxy-rice husk ash composites can be used as a cost-effective and lightweight alternative to traditional ceramic floor tiles for both interior and exterior applications.

The market potential for this design idea is significant, considering the growing demand for sustainable construction materials and the need for cost-effective alternatives to conventional products. The use of agricultural waste as a filler material aligns with the principles of environmental sustainability, which is gaining increasing importance in the construction industry.

The product, epoxy-rice husk ash composites for pavement tiles, would be manufactured through a combination of processes. The manufacturing steps may include:

• Sourcing rice husk ash from the agricultural industry.
• Preparing and treating the rice husk ash for compatibility with the epoxy matrix.
• Mixing the epoxy resin and rice husk ash filler in specific ratios.
• Applying appropriate manufacturing techniques, such as molding or casting, to form the composite into pavement tiles.
• Curing or post-processing the composite to achieve desired mechanical properties.

The production cost of epoxy-rice husk ash composites is expected to be relatively lower compared to traditional ceramic floor tiles. The use of rice husk ash as a filler material, which is a byproduct and readily available, can help reduce material costs. Additionally, the lightweight nature of the composites can contribute to cost savings in terms of transportation and installation. However, further cost analysis and market research would be necessary to provide a more accurate comparison with existing products in the marketplace.