Eggshell Ash Research Articles

Dry Sliding Wear Behaviour of Al6061 Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites using Response Surface Methodology

This paper presents an investigation of the dry sliding wear behaviour of Al6061 hybrid metal matrix composites reinforced with B4C (3 wt.%) and eggshell ash (3, 6, 9 and 12 wt.%) fabricated through the stir casting process. A four factors and five-level central composite design (CCD) were used for experiments through response surface methodology. The factors considered for design were eggshell ash (0-12 wt.%), load (10-50 N), sliding speed (0.8-4 m/s) and sliding distance (300-1500 m). The experiments were performed using a pin-on-disc tribometer according to the ASTM G99 standard at room temperature for 30 combinations. Based on experimental results, a regression model was developed to predict the wear rate, and its adequacy was checked with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and confirmation tests. The ANOVA results showed that sliding speed was the most significant factor followed by the load, which significantly influences the response. Wear rate increased with the increase in load and sliding distance, whereas it decreased with the increase in wt.% of eggshell ash and sliding speed. The increase in wear rate with the increase in load can be caused by the increase in tip pressure, and in case of sliding distance it may be due to increase in contact time. Whereas, decrease in wear rate with the increase in sliding speed can be caused by the decrease in contact time and higher wt.% of eggshell also reduced the wear rate and it may be due to the increase in composites hardness.

Effect of Duck Egg Shell Ash with Fly Ash as Cement Substitution in Geopolymer Concrete

The increasing production of cement as a basic material for making concrete is due to the increasing demand for concrete throughout the world. Innovative materials are needed as a substitute for cement to reduce the greenhouse effect, fly ash is pozzolanic which in fact has the potential to replace Portland cement as the main ingredient of concrete, and duck eggshell flour has good prospects to be used as an additional precursor material for geopolymer concrete. This study aims to determine further variations of the proportion of duck egg shells, the mechanical properties of the concrete produced using duck egg shell ash with fly ash. This study used an experimental method with the percentage of duck egg shell ash at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% of the total use of cement. Using Na₂SiO₃ and NaOH as activator with a concentration of 14M. At the age of 7 and 28 days with room temperature treatment. This study resulted in duck egg shell ash being able to increase the compressive strength of concrete at the age of 28 days with the percentage of substitution up to 5% with a value of 59.26 MPa, in the porosity test the minimum value was at the age of 28 days at a percentage of 5% 0.403%, and the value of the modulus of elasticity. experienced an increase in value at a percentage of 5% with the result 36071.43 MPa. Duck egg shell ash with a proportion of 5% is the optimum substitution where the compressive strength, porosity and modulus of elasticity tests on geopolymer concrete have linear values.

EVALUATION OF THE EFFICIENCY OF EGGSHELL ASH AS PHOTOCATALYST FOR DECOLOURISATION OF AZO DYE USING SOLAR UTRA-VIOLET RADIATION

Water pollution is one of the environmental challenges to be surmounted to avoid global public health hazard. Due to the complex chemical structure, azo dyes in industrial effluent have a long shelf life and are toxic to aquatic creatures even at low quantities. In this study, the decolourisation of azo dye, methylene blue (MB) using locally sourced photocatalyst, eggshell ash (ESA) under solar ultra-violet (UV) radiation was investigated. In order to test the photo-activities of ESA, a similar study was performed without sunlight. ESA was characterised using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Maximum decolourisation efficiencies (96% with sunlight and 77% without sunlight) were recorded at contact time of 120 minutes and 1.5 g/dm3 of catalyst. The data obtained were fitted into kinetics models and adsorption isotherms. According to the findings, pseudo-second order kinetics model best described the process with rate constant of 0.1529 g/mg.min and regression value, R2 of 0.9934. Intra-particle diffusion model showed that the uptake of MB was more of film diffusion than the intra-particle diffusion. The adsorption isotherm fitted better into Langmuir isotherm with adsorption capacity of 0.0213 dm3/mg and R2 of 0.9957, while the Temkin isotherm indicates that the process was a physical adsorption as the heat of sorption value (0.0015 Kcal./mol.) was less than 1.0 kcal/mol. Generally, the study revealed that ESA was a suitable photocatalyst for the decolourisation of azo dyes under solar UV rays.

Highly efficient engineered waste eggshell-fly ash for cadmium removal from aqueous solution

Sustainable waste and water management are key components of the newest EU policy regarding the circular economy. Simple, performant and inexpensive water treatment methods based on reusing waste are prerequisites for human health, sustainable development and environmental remediation. The design of performant, cost-effective absorbents represents a topical issue in wastewater treatment. This study aimed to investigate the development of a newly engineered adsorbent by functionalizing two different types of waste (industrial and food) with magnetic nanoparticles as environmentally friendly, highly efficient, cheap material for cadmium removal from aqueous solutions. This nano-engineered adsorbent (EFM) derived from waste eggshell and fly ash was used to remove the cadmium from the aqueous solution. SEM analysis has demonstrated that magnetite nanoparticles were successfully loaded with each waste. In addition, was obtained a double functionalization of the eggshell particles with ash and magnetite particles. As a result of this, the EFM surface area substantially increased, as confirmed by BET. A comprehensive characterization (BET, FT-IR, SEM, XRD and TGA) was performed to study the properties of this newly engineered adsorbent. Batch experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of different reaction parameters: temperature, pH, contact time, dosage adsorbent, initial concentration. Results showed that cadmium adsorption reached equilibrium in 120 min., at pH 6.5, for 0.25 g of adsorbent. The maximum efficiency was 99.9%. The adsorption isotherms research displayed that the Cd2+ adsorption fitted on the Freundlich model indicated a multi-molecular layer adsorption process. In addition, the thermodynamic study (ΔG < 0, ΔH > 0; ΔS > 0) shows that cadmium adsorption is a spontaneous and endothermic process. The adsorbent kinetic study was described with the pseudo-second-order model indicating a chemisorption mechanism. Desorption results showed that the nano-engineered adsorbent (EFM) can be reused. These data confirmed the possibility to enrich relevant theoretical knowledge in the field of waste recovery for obtaining newly designed adsorbents, performant and inexpensive for wastewater remediation.

Catalytic effects of eggshell ash on the conversion of used engine oil to fuel by pyrolysis

The objective of this work is to recycle used engine oil until it is converted into an alternative fuel by catalytic pyrolysis. The effect of using eggshell ash as a catalyst in pyrolysis reactions on the yield of the resulting fractions was investigated. In addition, the influence of this catalyst on the compositions and the quality of the non-condensable gas and liquid fractions were analyzed. The results show that the liquid fraction recovered 97.02%wt; with 20%wt of the catalyst is predominant. The detection of aromatics 15.84%wt, olefins 32.74%wt, naphthenic 2.82%wt, paraffins 29.00%wt, and alcohols 20.50%wt, in the pyrolytic liquid and the observation of H2 15.22%wt, CH4 16.65%wt and other elements such as C4H8 21.93%wt in non-condensable gases, make it possible to predict the good usability of these products obtained as an alternative fuel.

Optimization of the Removal of Naphthenic Acids from Crude Oil via Catalytic Esterification

This study was carried out to ascertain the optimum parameters for maximum total acid number (TAN) reduction via catalytic esterification using chicken eggshell ash as catalyst. A central composite design (CCD) was created to optimize TAN reduction by varying temperature and catalyst weight %. The chicken eggshell ash was calcined and reactivated in a furnace at 900 °C for an hour. An oil solution (referred to as synthetic solution) of diesel was adulterated with the organic acid m-toluic which served as a representation for highly acidic oil. Titration using alcoholic potassium hydroxide (KOH) and an indicator (phenolphthalein) was used to deduce the total acid number of the synthetic solution before and after esterification. The optimum parameters for maximum TAN reduction obtained from the model were a temperature of 56.90 °C, a catalyst weight % of 11.45%, and a maximum TAN reduction of approximately 94%. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy also confirmed that TAN reduction had taken place as the peaks that represent the carbonyl group (C=O stretch at ~1605 cm-1) was reduced significantly.

Manufacturing nano novel composites using sugarcane and eggshell as an alternative for producing nano green mortar.

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the impact of incorporating two different types of green nanomaterials (sugarcane and eggshell) on destructive and non-destructive properties of mortar. Nano sugarcane (NSC) was manufactured by calcining sugarcane at temperatures of 600°C for 3h. On the other hand, nano eggshell (NES) was manufactured by calcining eggshell at temperatures of 600°C for 6h. The sugarcane ash and eggshell ash were then milled to nano size. The final nano-sized product replaced Portland cement with different dosages of 2, 4 and 6%. Sixteen mortar mixtures were designed and prepared using only NSC or only NES or a combined hybrid of NSC and NES. Consistency, compressive strength, flexural strength and microstructure analysis (scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray) tests were conducted to investigate the influence of replacement materials on the performance and properties of mortars. The results showed that the use of nano sugarcane and nano eggshell enhanced the compressive strength and reduced permeability of green mortar due to the micropore structure. At the ages of 7 and 28days, mortars containing a replacement ratio of 2% (0.5% NSC + 1.5% NES) had remarkably improved mechanical properties, and the improvement in compressive strength reached 21.3% and flexural strength to 10.08% when compared to the control sample. The efficiency of NSC and NES in increasing mortar strength was also confirmed by microstructure analysis.

Assessment of Lime Stabilized Soils Modified with Egg Shell Ash for Road Construction

The need to have in-depth knowledge about the Engineering properties of soil and the sub-soil condition for road construction especially in the southwestern Nigeria brought about this study. Some strength properties (California Bearing Ratio (CBR), Compaction, Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), and direct Shear tests) of lime stabilized soils modified with Egg Shell Ash (ESA) were assessed. Soil samples were obtained from each state in the study area and transported to the laboratory, where they were stabilized with 6% lime and 0 to 10% ESA before the above-mentioned tests was conducted on them. The local additive was also subjected to a chemical analysis. Results showed that ESA additive has low SiO2 and high CaO compounds. Increase in ESA resulted in increase of all the strength properties (Maximum Dry Density (MDD), CBR, UCS, Cohesion (C), Shear strength (S) and Angle of Internal Friction (ϕ)) and reached peak at 8% ESA, thereafter decrease; albeit, Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) decreases. After the improvement process, almost all the unsuitable soil samples became suitable for use as pavement layer materials. Consequently, a blend of 6% lime and 8% ESA content is recommended for soil improvement, especially for road pavement layers in southwestern Nigeria.

Durability performance of a lime stabilized expansive soil with egg shell ash as a subsidiary admixture

Stabilization is broadly classified as mechanical and chemical stabilization. Lime stabilization is the most commonly adopted method for stabilising expansive soils. In recent years, lime has been combined with other waste materials for improved performance in stabilization. One such waste is egg shell waste, generated by the poultry industry. Calcination of egg shell waste results in the formation of egg shell ash (ESA) which has a chemical composition very similar to that of quick lime. This investigation focuses on the potential of ESA as an auxiliary additive for lime in the stabilization of expansive soils. The initial consumption of lime of the expansive soil was determined using the Eades and Grim pH test. The lime content in the stabilization process was modified with ESA up to 0.5% in increments of 0.1%. Unconfined compression strength test samples of dimensions 38 mm x 76 mm were cast and cured for a period of 21 days and tested for their strength. The durability of the samples was also evaluated by subjecting the samples to 1, 4, 7, and 10 cycles of wetting and drying. The results of the investigation revealed that 0.2% ESA was the optimal dosage of additive to lime stabilization for improved performance.

Cashew nut shell ash as a supplementary additive in lime stabilized expansive soil composites

In recent times, agro-industrial wastes have been valorized as supplementary additives in soil treatment and improvement of soft and poor soils. One such agro-industrial waste viz. Cashew Nut Shell Ash (CNSA) was evaluated to comprehend its performance as a supplementary additive to lime in treating expansive soils. The experimental programme investigated the performance of stabilized soil composites (SSC), stabilized using combinations of 3%, 5.5% and 7% lime modified with 0.25%, 0.5%, 1% and 2 % CNSA. The SSC were cast in to cylinders of dimensions 38 mm × 76 mm, air cured in sealed covers for seven days and tested for their uniaxial compressive strength. Comparison of the outcomes with the strengths developed by some other wastes like bagasse ash (BA), egg shell ash (ESA) and press mud (PM) available from literature was also done. It was revealed that CNSA as a supplementary additive to lime was able to boost the early strength of the lime SSC after seven days of curing but only when the lime dosage was 5.5%.

Mechanical characterization of eggshell ash and boron carbide reinforced ZA-27 hybrid metal matrix composites

This study aimed at discovering the influence of low-cost eggshell ash (ESA) and boron carbide (B4C) addition on microstructure and mechanical characteristics of ZA-27 hybrid composites. Six different composites were fabricated utilizing the stir casting technique with different weight percentages of ESA and B4C particles varied from 0-5 wt.%. Composites were tested for density, hardness, compressive strength, tensile strength, and impact strength. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were utilized for the characterization of composites. Microstructure examination using SEM exhibited homogeneously dispersed reinforcements in the matrix. ESA particles decreased the composite density by 3.12%, and after the addition of B4C particles, density was found to be increased but was still lower than the base ZA-27 alloy. The hardness, tensile and compressive strength of the composites increased with the addition of reinforcements. However, composite reinforced with maximum wt.% of B4C particles showed a decreasing trend. The impact strength of the composites decreased when compared with the base alloy, but the reduction was marginal. Improved hardness, tensile and compressive strength of the composites was attributed to homogeneously dispersed ESA and B4C particles in the matrix. Higher tensile strength resulted from strong interfacial bonding between reinforcements and metal matrix, and low impact strength was due to brittle failure and plastic deformation.

Palm Kernel Ash and Eggshell Ash as Partial Replacement of Cement in Interlocking Brick Production

This research uses eggshell ash and palm kernel shell ash as a partial replacement for cement in brick production. Previous researchers have used different materials as a replacement for cement. This research seeks to determine the best eggshell ash and palm kernel ash ratio as a partial replacement for cement in brick production. The experiment uses 5, 10, 15, and 20% eggshell ash and palm kernel shell ash for a partial replacement of cement. This research performs the compressive strength, water absorption, efflorescence, fire resistance, colour, sound and size tests to determine the quality of the brick containing eggshell ash and palm kernel shell ash as a partial replacement for cement. The results show that the best ratio for replacing cement in brick production is 15% eggshell ash and palm kernel shell.

Evaluation of the Thermal properties of Epoxy-Agro waste (Egg shell and Palm kernel shell) Nanoparticle coating for Mild Steel

Epoxy has been widely used as a coating material to protect the steel reinforcement in concrete structures, because of its outstanding processability, excellent chemical resistance, good electrical insulating properties, and strong adhesion/affinity. The major disadvantage raised from exothermic curing reaction of highly crosslinked epoxy matrix is brittleness and microcracks that change the epoxy coating performances. The barrier performance of epoxy coatings can be enhanced by the incorporation of inorganic filler particles at nanometer scale which can be dispersed within the epoxy resin matrix to form an epoxy nanocomposite. The parametric addition of eggshell ash nanoparticles (ESAnp) and palm kernel shell ash nanoparticle (PKSAnp) in epoxy for the coating of mild steel was studied. Thermal decomposition was observed in terms of global mass loss by using a TGA Q50 thermogravimetric analyzer. Improvement of 78.05% and 82.56% thermal properties were obtained for the epoxy-4wt%ESAnp and epoxy-5wt%PKSAnp at 1000°C. This work showed that epoxy-4wt%ESAnp and epoxy-5wt%PKSAnp have best properties for thermal applications.

Effect of optimum utilization of silica fume and eggshell ash to the engineering properties of expansive soil

The utilization of substance stabilizer in soil improvement can diminish the obstructive ecological effect in the development business, and respond as the soil stabilizers to the kaolin clay soils. In any case, the improvement of kaolin clay stays a test because of the significant expense and non-eco-accommodating materials like concrete and lime. This examination exhibits the capacity of SF in the mix with ESA in stabilizing the delicate kaolin clay soils, by means of particle size distribution (PSD), specific gravity, Atterberg limits, compaction parameters and undrained shear strength (USS) parameters. Its impact on the undrained shear strength upgrade was concentrated through the concrete substitution material in kaolin clay soil at the replacement degree of 2%, 4% and 6% (by dry weight of kaolin clay soil) of SF and ESA replacements of 3%, 6% and 9% (by dry weight of kaolin clay and SF content). The consideration of SF with ESA shows a lower specific gravity (4.9% decrease), lower plasticity index (PI) (48.4% decrease), diminished maximum dry density (MDD) (5.5% decrease), expanded in optimum moisture content (OMC) (8.7% increase), and higher USS (68.8%) when contrasted with the untreated kaolin clay soils and those treated with SF. The blends of SF and ESA as soil adjustment specialists effectively upgrade the undrained shear strength of the kaolin clay soils up to 68.8% strength improvement with the best percentage of 6% SF and 6% ESA for optimum enhancement of the expansive soil, which minimizing the expenses and as an eco-accommodating materials in soil improvement.

Evaluating the Use of Eggshell Waste Ash in High Strength Concrete

This study aims to determine the effect of incorporating eggshell waste as partial compensation from Portland cement material on high-strength concrete mixtures' performance. The properties studied are workability, compressive and flexural strengths, water absorption, dry density, and thermal conductivity. In the same trend, the environmental impact of the replacement mentioned above is evaluated. Four different weight percentages (0%,5%,10%,15%, and 20%) of the cement were replaced with eggshells ash. The results indicate that the incorporation of eggshell powder improves the compressive strength and flexural strength by about 14.7% and 6.5%, respectively, at 28days age over control concrete mixes at 15% replacement. The optimum replacement ratio was found to be 15% based on the strength. Furthermore, the results showed a reduction in water absorption and thermal conductivity as 15% of eggshell ash was used as a replacement by cement weight with 10.7% and 10.65 respectively, besides the reduction in the amount of cement used in the mixture. These results are positively reflected in supporting natural resources' sustainability and depleting the ozone layer by reducing the emitted gases.

Tribological behaviour of eggshell ash and boron carbide reinforced ZA-27 hybrid metal matrix composites under dry sliding conditions

The present investigation intends to study the tribological behaviour of ZA-27 alloy reinforced with low-cost eggshell ash (ESA) and boron carbide (B4C) particles by utilizing a stir casting process to fabricate hybrid metal matrix composites. The percentage of ESA and B4C particles are added in the range of 0–5 wt.%. Composites being tested for density, porosity and microhardness. A pin-on-disc DUCOM tribometer used to investigate the friction and wear behaviour of composites with a varying load of 10 to 50 N at a constant sliding speed of 1 m s−1 and a fixed sliding distance of 1500 meter. To study the influence of speed on friction and wear behaviour, tribological testing was also performed at a sliding speed of 2 m s−1 and 3 m s−1. The composites microstructure revealed the presence of ESA and B4C particles examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis confirmed the elemental composition of reinforcement particles present in the matrix. Composites density decreased when reinforced with ESA and B4C particles and the maximum decrease in density was about 3.12%. Porosity of the composites increased with the increase in wt.% of B4C particles. Addition of ESA and B4C particles significantly improved composites microhardness. The coefficient of friction (COF) and wear loss showed an increasing trend with the increase in load, whereas COF decreased and wear loss increased on higher sliding speeds. Composites showed superior wear resistance over base alloy under all test conditions. Worn surface morphology indicated the delamination, plastic deformation and ploughing at low speed, whereas abrasion was the dominant wear mechanism at higher sliding speeds. Therefore, this hybrid composite may have the potential to be used as a bearing material for tribological applications over monolithic ZA-27 alloy.

Synthesis and Mechanical Behavior of Ball-Milled Agro-Waste RHA and Eggshell Reinforced Composite Material

Abstract Nowadays, there are various industrial wastes from industries that produce lots of environmental pollution. Rice husk ash (RHA) is agricultural waste and eggshell waste is industrial waste. These wastes also produce lots of soil pollution. However, by utilizing these wastes, some environmental problems can be reduced. In the present investigation, an attempt was made to utilize RHA and eggshells as reinforcement material in the development of aluminum-based composite material. Carbonized eggshell ash (CESA) particles and RHA were ball-milled for 75 hours to obtain a single entity. The mixture of CESA and RHA particles has been varied from 2.5 % to 12.5 % in the development of the composite. Ball-milled reinforcement particles in the single entity showed uniform distribution in the aluminum-based matrix material. Results showed that after the heat treatment process, the tensile strength and hardness of the aluminum/5 % CESA/5 % RHA composite was found to be 189.95 MPa and 56 brinell hardness number (kgf/mm2) respectively. The tensile strength and hardness of the composite after heat treatment were enhanced by 31 % and 60 %, respectively. However, the toughness and ductility were reduced after adding the mixture of carbonized eggshell particles and alumina in the aluminum alloy. Corrosion loss and thermal expansion behavior were also observed to identify the carbonized eggshell and RHA addition in the aluminum alloy. Corrosion loss and thermal expansion of the AA3105/5 % eggshell powder/5 % RHA composite after heat treatment were found to be 0.011 gm and 4.35 mm3, respectively.

Performance evaluation of asphaltic concrete incorporating milled egg-shell ash (mesa) as bitumen strength modifier and filler

Pursuant to the quest for sustainable and cheap pavement construction materials which have the potential of spurring the development of roads with low construction costs; and with the worrisome increase in the amount of eggshell wastes resulting from large consumption of poultry birds, this research assessed the engineering properties of bitumen modified with Milled Egg Shell Ash (MESA) and subsequently the performance of asphalt concrete with MESA as partial substitute for filler. Physicochemical characterization was carried out on the virgin bitumen and the MESA. Milled proportions of the egg shell ash was blended with bitumen at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, followed by a complete substitution at 100%, by weight of mineral aggregates; and thereafter incorporated as filler using the same proportions. The penetrometer and rotational viscometer were engaged to determine the penetration and viscosity of the modified bitumen, and the Marshall mix design method was subsequently employed to determine the stability and flow of the asphaltic concrete composite. The modification of bitumen with egg shell ash resulted in a decrease in penetration of bitumen from 80/100 pen to 60/70 pen, as well as rotational viscosity met the required standard. Marshall stability decreased gradually with increased MESA content. Given the expected standard value of Marshall stability for wearing courses to be not less than 7.5 kN, the stability value of 31 kN obtained at 10% MESA, was recommended for sustainable pavement works. The X-ray Florescence (XRF) result showed a high presence of Calcium in terms of intensity and content in the Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) modified with MESA, while the scanning electron microscope (SEM) provided a clear perspective of the interaction between the mineral aggregates, MESA, and bitumen in the entire HMA mixture. The results have shown feasible use of MESA as partial aggregate substitution in HMA which is recommended for light weight pavements or medium trafficked roads such as in found parking lots, walk ways, office complexes, university environments and short accesses.

Comparison of CaO-NPs and Chicken Eggshell-Derived CaO in the Production of Biodiesel from Schinziophyton rautanenii (Mongongo) Nut Oil

The ever-increasing population growth and economic developments have heightened demand for energy. This has resulted in depletion and ever-rising prices of petroleum diesel, thus increasing environmental degradation. These complications have motivated this study for the search of an alternative eco-friendly and renewable source of energy such as biodiesel. Biodiesel has been found to be a potential alternative fuel for diesel. Biodiesel was produced by transesterification reaction of Schinziophyton rautanenii (mongongo) nut oil in the presence of a base heterogeneous catalyst: CaO derived from eggshell ash and synthesised CaO-nanoparticles (CaO-NPs). The catalysts were calcined at a temperature of 800°C for 3 h and characterized by scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) where both catalysts showed agglomerated particles and high elemental composition of Ca and O. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that CaO was present in both catalysts, and the average crystalline size obtained was 42 and 50 nm for CaO-NPs and eggshell ash, respectively. Fourier transmission infrared (FTIR) spectrometer showed absorption bands of CaO in both catalysts which were at 875 and 713.46 cm−1 for CaO-NPs and eggshell ash, respectively. The analysis of mongongo nut oil (MNO) and mongongo methyl esters (MMEs) was done according to the European biodiesel specification (EN 1421) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM D675). Statistically, there was no significant difference between CaO-NPs and eggshell in terms of optimum yield ( P &gt; 0.05 ) using a sample t-test. However, in terms of catalyst loading, the eggshell was a better catalyst as it required a low catalyst load to obtain an optimum yield of 83% at 6 wt.% compared to CaO-NPs with an optimum yield of 85% at 12 wt.%. The reactions were all performed at constant reaction conditions of 9 : 1 methanol to oil ratio, 3 h reaction time, and 65°C reaction temperature.

Study of mechanical properties of pultruded jute-glass reinforced unsaturated polyester bio-composites with hybrid filler loading

Purpose The purpose of this study is to develop jute-glass hybrid fibre reinforced polyester-based bio-composites using an indigenously developed pultrusion set-up and to present a detailed discussion on their mechanical characterization. Design/methodology/approach The work was carried out to observe the hybridization effect of natural and synthetic fibres in combination with hybrid fillers loading mainly on strength and other properties. The used hybrid fillers were a combination of 9 Wt.% of carbon black%, 6 Wt.% of eggshell ash powder and 6 Wt.% of coconut coir ash powder. A lab-based developed pultrusion set-up was used to develop these hybrid GJFRP composites of 1,500 mm length. The developed composites were tested for tensile strength, compressive strength and impact strength. Findings The maximum tensile, compressive and impact strength obtained are 88.37 MPa, 56.13 MPa and 731.91 J/m from 9 Wt.%, 9 Wt.% and 0 Wt.% of hybrid fillers loading, respectively. Breaking energy was found maximum as 7.31 J in hybrid glass-jute hybrid fibre reinforced plastic composites with no filler loading and it was observed that filler loading was decreasing the impact strength of developed hybrid composites. Shrinkage and its variations in the diameter of the finally developed cylindrical shape composites were observed after cooling and solidification. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the internal cracks, bonding of fibres and resin, voids, etc. Originality/value Development of hybrid filler based novel eco-friendly bio-composites and its experimental investigation on the impact strength, tensile strength and compressive strength has not been attempted yet.