Preliminary Investigation on the Mechanical Properties of Calcium Carbonate Extracted from Green Asian Mussel (Perna viridis) Shells as Reinforcement in Unsaturated Polyester Matrix

  • Harveen Bongao1, Jill Z. Manapat, Bethune Karla B. Cortez, Francis Rumen D. Parungao, Jose Enrique P. Paras
Keywords: Unsaturated polyester resin, calcium carbonate, tahong, filler, reinforcement.

Abstract

In this work, calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was extracted from Asian green mussel shells (tahong) shells by calcination at 1000°C. CaCO3-reinforced UPR composites were prepared through casting. Aside from the extracted one, a reagent grade CaCO3 was also used. These were dispersed in separate polymer matrices before being poured into dog-bone shaped molds along with a hardener. These were allowed cure for five days. The CaCO3 powder was characterized using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and the mechanical properties of the composite were determined using the ultimate testing machine (UTM). The surface morphology of the fractured surface was then observed under the optical microscope. The XRD pattern revealed the presence of CaCO3 along with some impurities. The results of the UTM showed that the extracted CaCO3-reinforced composite had a higher elastic modulus and tensile strength than the reagent grade CaCO3 with the values of 755.85 MPa and 24.45 MPa, respectively. The surface morphology further showed good dispersion and compatibility of CaCO3 with UPR. Even though impurities are present in the extracted CaCO3, it can be inferred that it is an efficient reinforcement in UPR since it showed high elastic moduli and high tensile strengths.

Published
2021-08-16
How to Cite
Francis Rumen D. Parungao, Jose Enrique P. Paras, H. B. J. Z. M. B. K. B. C. (2021). Preliminary Investigation on the Mechanical Properties of Calcium Carbonate Extracted from Green Asian Mussel (Perna viridis) Shells as Reinforcement in Unsaturated Polyester Matrix. Design Engineering, 8892-8899. Retrieved from http://thedesignengineering.com/index.php/DE/article/view/3442
Section
Articles