Use of eco-benign periwinkle shell particle for making composites and study their effect on the thermal and mechanical properties of novel HDPE composites

In this investigation, the shell powder of Littorina littorea commonly called periwinkle was used as an eco-benign filler in High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) to form periwinkle/HDPE composites (PHPC). Understanding the effect of different particle sizes of periwinkle shell powder (PSP) and optimizing their influence on PHPC is the main scope of work. Periwinkle shell (PS) particle sizes from <53 μm to 150 μm were chosen as reinforcement. The different PSP size like <53 μm, 53 μm, 75 μm, 90 μm, 105 μm and 150 μm chosen in this study were named as PHPCL53, PHPC53, PHPC75, PHPC90, PHPC105, and PHPC150 respectively. The composites were fabricated by incorporating 1 weight % of PSP into HDPE matrix using compression molding technique and then subjected to morphological, thermal, and mechanical characterizations. Morphology studies using scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirms 150 μm PSP had best dispersion whereas 75 μm PSP resulted with agglomeration. PSP had little influence on the thermal stability of HDPE except for PHPC150 which showed rise in degradation temperature when compared to the neat sample. Mechanical properties such as hardness, Young’s modulus, impact strength, and flexural modulus were enhanced by the addition of PSP. Whereas, a decrease was noted in elongation at break (%) and flexural strength of PHPC indicating the stiffening effect of filler on HDPE. In order to understand the particle size influence better, the extension evaluation method (EEM) was performed for all samples and PHPC150 was found to be the best performing among all particle sizes.

The Future and Prospects of Periwinkle Composites in Reinforced Concretes: A Review

The choice of building materials and the rising cost of construction materials have continued to plaque the building and construction industry without an immediate solution. Industrialists and scholars are investigating several naturally occurring materials for concrete composite reinforcements. The article chronologically reviewed the growth and development of periwinkle shell powder (PSP) and periwinkle ash powder (PSA) as composite materials in concretes. Findings showed that 28 days of curing age are required for lightweight concretes reinforced with PSP or PAP at 10-30% optimum. Produced lightweight concretes were susceptible to acidic medium and induce lower compressive strength which eventually leads to concrete/structure disintegrate and collapse. Research challenges and funding hamper the application of PSP/PAP in the concrete formulation and are unable to drive innovations and economic benefits as a composite. Advances in concrete technology showed that PSP/PSA mollusk shells achieve pillar strength grade and weight/load bearing status for the improvement of PSP/PSA blended concretes. Also, the composite potential showed that the functionalization of PSP/PSA, sustainability, and nano modification of cementitious materials and concretes are promising. Future studies are required to develop periwinkle reinforced concrete silos, sewers, and smart concrete materials with improved mechanical, thermal, and aesthetic properties.

Periwinkle Shell as Mixing Ingredient in Concrete: A Review

Growing population which also pushes for rising demand for seafood results in a generation of seashells which are thrown as environmental pollution waste after the edible meat is consumed. Meanwhile, the utilisation of natural resources as mixing ingredients for the production of concrete materials continues to increase over the year. The use of periwinkle shells as mixing ingredients in concrete materials can lower the dependency on natural aggregate supply. This paper discusses the properties of periwinkle shell and method of treatment prior to their usage as a cement and coarse aggregate as well as the mechanical properties of concrete produced using this seashell waste. Overall, the replacement of periwinkle shell as cement and coarse aggregate must be integrated in a specified percentage to enhance the performance of the concrete. For cement replacement, 5% of replacement gives the highest strength, meanwhile 10% of replacement as coarse aggregate can meet the desired strength. The increase in the use of periwinkle shell quantity as cement or coarse aggregate replacement reduces concrete workaibility. The integration of periwinkle shell influences the compresssive strength of concrete. Accomplishment in replacing periwinkle shell as cement and coarse aggregate would reduce pollutiion due to shell dumping and save natural resources. However, further investigation in terms of durability properties is recommended.

An Overview of the Applications of Periwinkle (Tympanotonus fuscatus) Shells

The waste generated by the periwinkle (Tympanotonus fuscatus) shell cannot be undermined. In coastal communities worldwide, periwinkle is a major source of proteins and other vital minerals in most delicacies. The shells of these aquatic species, notable for their nutrient provision, contribute to environmental degradation because of the indiscriminate disposal. The absence of a proper waste management program leads to the blockage of drainages, resulting in flooding. This study reviews the various avenues by which the Tympanotonus fuscatus shell can be processed and utilized. The review was conducted to synthesize the current body of knowledge in the research area to help present a proper perspective to periwinkle shell utilization. The study showed that periwinkle shell could effectively be utilized directly as a partial replacement for coarse aggregates and cement in concrete, and in the adsorption of heavy metals from wastewater. The shell was also a suitable replacement for asbestos in brakepad production. Perspectives for future research in periwinkle shell utilization as raw materials for the production of synthetic stones and ceramic mugs, calcium supplements, fluid loss control additive for drilling mud, adsorbents for poisonous and odorous gas capture were identified. Other areas of future research include the use of periwinkle shells as gravel pack and fluid proppants alternatives in oil and gas wells and as replacements for molecular sieves in natural gas conditioning and biogas upgrading.

Effect of Detergent on Concrete prepared with Periwinkle shell as Coarse Aggregate

The use of the periwinkle shell in the production of lightweight concrete has been studied and accepted to be used for concrete works. Hard water containing detergent-like chemicals has been observed to be used in mixing locally produced concrete. This exploratory study is on the effect of water mixed with detergent in a concrete prepared with the periwinkle shell as a coarse aggregate. A total of 27 concrete cubes of size 150mmx150mmx150mm were prepared in the laboratory with a mix ratio of 1:2:4. A water-cement ratio of 0.4 was used with the addition of detergent at varying percentages (0%, 0.3% and 0.6). The cubes were cured in water and tested at 7days, 14days and 28days respectively. Laboratory tests, which includes bulk density, specific gravity, grain size analysis, slump and the compressive strength test was carried out on the aggregates and concrete. The periwinkle shell had a bulk density of 1440kg/m3and a specific gravity of 2.50. The workability tested revealed that the slump values increased with increase in the percentages of detergent. The compressive strength at 28days and at 0.3% and 0.6% were 12.58N/mm2 and 14.06N/mm2 respectively. It was observed that the compressive strength decreased with the addition of detergent because of the tiny air bubbles introduced into the concrete by the detergent. From the results of the study, it can safely be concluded that the use of detergent contaminated water in concrete production will reduce its compressive strength and increase its workability.