Mechanical performance of seashell-reinforced polymer composites for structural applications

• Published in: Polymer Composites Derived from Animal Sources
• Main Author: Nurazzi N.M.; Norrrahim M.N.F.; Mulla M.H.; Kamarudin S.H.; Rani M.S.A.; Rushdan A.I.; Kuzmin A.M.
• Format: Book chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85193362918&doi=10.1016%2fB978-0-443-22414-0.00013-2&partnerID=40&md5=c7810cd5cfb5d82771a10919439c0f06

In the quest for ecological sustainability, efforts are being directed toward encouraging recycling and the efficient utilization of marine waste to create innovative materials for engineering purposes. Marine waste, encompassing items like mollusk shells, algae, and crustacean exoskeletons, emerges as a plentiful and economically viable natural reservoir. These materials carry substantial promise as valuable reservoirs of essential materials like calcium carbonate and biopolymers. These marine by-products can be integrated into composites, playing roles as particle fillers within ceramics or fibrous reinforcements within biopolymers and polymer composites. Seashells, comprising predominantly calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in calcite or aragonite forms, are both abundant and durable. Within the construction sector, the substitution of discarded aquaculture seashells for conventional cement and aggregates can nurture the advancement of environmentally friendly concrete. In structural applications, seashells find extensive utility in enhancing stress distribution, functioning as nanofillers, and even as nano absorbents. This analysis offers an inclusive exploration of how the structural attributes of CaCO3 from seashells influence their mechanical performance when employed as reinforcements in polymer composites. The study encompasses a discussion concerning the categorization and chemical characteristics of seashells. This involves a combination of the chemical composition between commercially available calcium carbonate and those obtained from seashells in certain places. Additionally, the review outlines the techniques for extracting and preparing hydroxyapatite from seashells. Furthermore, the assessment encompasses an examination of how seashell-reinforced thermoplastic and thermosetting composites perform in mechanical performance. In sum, this review provides valuable insights into the potential application of seashells as reinforcement materials within polymer composites. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.