Characterization of eggshell reinforced aluminium composites

Abstract

The study evaluated the mechanical properties of eggshell-reinforced aluminium. Six different specimens of aluminium composites were prepared using varying percentages of eggshell powder as reinforcement as follows: 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% identified as samples A, B, C, D, E and F respectively. Eggshell was used as reinforcement material in order to support the ever-increasing scientific research efforts to convert waste to wealth. One of the study’s objectives was to develop an eco-friendly composite and manage food wastes safely in our environment. The base aluminium material used for the study was designated as 0% eggshell reinforced samples. Test specimens were subjected to tensile, impact, compressive and hardness tests. Results showed that adding 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% eggshell powder to aluminium improved hardness by 5.61%, 19.31%, 15.32% and 19.03%, respectively. Samples were ranked in the descending order of performance as: D, B, F, A, C, and E using combination of properties criteria, which implies that sample D had the best combined properties. In contrast, sample E had the most minor performance. The study concluded that reinforcing aluminium with 6% eggshell powder produced a composite with best combination of mechanical properties. Manufacturing of Boat hulls and other marine structures are among the possible uses of the developed composites since they have good compressive strength. Eggshell-reinforced aluminium can also improve the performance and durability of various athletic goods, such as helmets, racquets, and bats. The study has demonstrated the potential use of eggshell powder as a reinforcement material for aluminium to produce light weight composites with good mechanical properties. The outcome of this study could benefit poultry farmers, food sellers, manufacturers and egg consumers across the globe.