The Problem Addressed
Eggshells are a food waste product with the potential to be utilized as a filler material in polymer composites to reduce the use of synthetic polymers. While eggshell particles are expected to enhance the properties of composite materials, little is known about how the amount (content) and size of calcined (heat-treated) eggshell particles affect the water absorption capabilities of the composite. This water absorption is crucial to understand as it can influence important characteristics such as the dimensional stability of the composite.
What Was Done and Found
This research systematically investigated the influence of eggshell parameters on the water absorption properties of polyester composites. Calcined eggshell particles (heated to 900°C) were added in three particle sizes (90, 149, 200 mesh) and mixed into polyester with content variations from 0 to 10%. The results indicated that the addition of calcined eggshell particles significantly affects water absorption, as the process improves the bonding between the particles and the polymer matrix. It was found that particle size is the most crucial factor, with or without calcination, while the most dominant factor in determining water absorption and dimensional stability is the eggshell content within the composite.
Impact and Significance
This study provides important insights into the development of environmentally friendly composite materials utilizing eggshell waste. By understanding how particle size and content affect water absorption, this research article offers a practical and highly effective guide from the heat-treatment process, simplifying the design and manufacturing process for future applications. Manufacturers can design composites with low water absorption and good dimensional stability, which are crucial requirements for various structural applications.
Citation and Link to Original Source
For technical details and complete data, please read our official publication:
Sunardi, S., Ariawan, D., Surojo, E., Prabowo, A. R., Akbar, H. I., Sudrajad, A., & Seputro, H. (2025). Study of water absorption of polymer composite using calcined eggshell particle as green filler. AIP Conference Proceedings, 3250(1), 070004. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0240921
