A Comparative Study of Eggshell and Chalk Dust Cement Mixture with Commercial Cement In partial fulfilment of the requirements from the course
Submitted by: Casucog, Janina Fernando, Nicholo Latina, Leyoneil Pajarillo, John Jeru Submitted to: Mr. John Mark L. Doria Submitted on: February 26, 2014
Abstract The purpose of the researchers’ experiment was to determine if the eggshell and chalk dust cement mixture can be used as alternative cement that people can use. To perform the experiment, they collected ample amount of eggshells and chalk dust that were well grinded and sifted and collected ashes that were also well sifted. They prepared the carbonated water and dry ingredients and proportioned the measurement of each material and mixed them. They moulded the paste-like substance in desired form and baked it in an oven. When the product was already done, the proponents conducted a drop test to see the durability of the products. After the comparative study, the proponents found out that commercial cement was more durable than the eggshell and chalk dust cement was more durable than the eggshell and chalk dust cement. On the other hand, eggshell and chalk dust cement mixture costs little and is more environmentfriendly.
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Chapter I: The Problem: Rationale and Background I.
Introduction Eggs have always been a part of our daily lives most especially during meal time. People often ignore what was left with their eggs after eating them, unaware of the possible materials that can be acquired from the discarded eggshells. The food processing industry, in particular, generates large amounts of eggshell waste worldwide. With India alone consuming 1.6 million metric tons of eggs each year, global egg consumption is expected to reach about 1,154 billion by 2015. The team therefore devised a plan to put all those eggshell waste to good use. The eggshell waste is rich in calcium carbonate (CaCo3) and is considered to be a useful solid waste material. Same as with the chalk dusts that are usually found in classrooms in schools. Chalk dusts contain gypsum that can help bind things or other components. Some misconceptions come in our minds that this things are just waste that should be disposed or thrown away. In this instance, the proponents decided to investigate the feasibility of producing cement with the use of the widely neglected eggshells and with the help of the gypsum component of the chalk dust. The cement and eggshells have the common main compound that is needed by cement to be made. II. Statement of the Problem This comparative study aimed to find an alternative cement mixture that is purely made from recyclable and eco-friendly materials. They ensured that the alternative will be eco-friendly and will surely make use of recyclable materials. Specifically, this study aimed to answer the following question: Eggshell and chalk dust cement is comparable with commercial cement in terms of: a) Durability b) Environmental Benefit c) Cost Efficiency d) Uses
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III.
Conceptual Framework In this investigatory project, a drop test is used to find out the durability of each product. This conceptual framework shows how the experiment is applied.
Plaster of Paris
Concrete
Drop Test
Eggshell and Chalk Dust Cement
IV.
Significance of the Study In the event of achieving efficient alternative eggshell and chalk dust cement from conducting the study, it could be concluded that it would be a utility for the society. Companies that produce vases, figurines and other decorations can have a cheaper source of raw materials or they could cut back on the cost by using eggshells and chalk dust instead because eggshells are obtained for free and they are recyclable materials. In time, once the product is well reviewed and evaluated, the study could be used in building infrastructures. Eggshells would no longer be neglected for they would be a huge contribution to the industries that use cement. This way, humankind will be one step closer to an eco-friendly world.
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V.
VI.
VII.
Scope and Limitations The researchers will only study about the different chemical components of regular eggshells and chalk dust mixture that makes it comparable to commercial cement and plaster of Paris. The researchers will also research on the content of eggshells and chalk dust that makes it a good mixture in creating cement. The study will only show the comparison between the eggshell cement, commercial cement and plaster of Paris in terms of these factors; cost efficiency, durability, economic benefits, environmental benefits, setting time and physical characteristics. The researchers will not study about the use of different types of eggs; such as the native brown egg, salted red egg and they may or may not opt to use varying colours of chalk dusts. The proponents will focus on using regular shell of white eggs and white blackboard chalk dust. The proponents will end the investigation or the experimentation when they already proved the most ideal cement mixture that can be used in creating blocks and also if they gain enough data to solve the problem. Hypotheses The chemical composition of eggshell and chalk dust is an effective alternative cement mixture. If eggshells and chalk dust are proven to have chemical properties that are good substitutes for cement making, then they can replace commercial cement. Definition of Terms Shale - A fissile rock composed of layers of claylike, fine-grained sediments. Limestone - A common sedimentary rock consisting mostly of calcium carbonate, CaCO3 used as a building stone and in the manufacture of lime, carbon dioxide, and cement. Prehomogenization - The proportional mix of the different types of clay, limestone, or any other required material. Mortar - Any of various bonding materials used in masonry, surfacing, and plastering, especially a plastic mixture of cement or lime, sand, and water that hardens in place and is used to bind together bricks or stones. Plaster - A mixture of lime or gypsum, sand, and water, sometimes with fibre added, that hardens to a smooth solid and is used for coating walls and ceilings.
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Diagenetic- the changes to sediment or sedimentary rocks during and after rock formation, at temperatures and pressures less than that required for the formation of metamorphic rocks or melting. Porosity- being able to absorb fluids Permeability- he state or quality of a material or membrane that causes it to allow liquids or gases to pass through it. Capillary Entry Pressure- the difference in pressure across the interface between two immiscible fluids Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS)- also known as Carbon Capture and Storage, it is the process of capturing waste carbon dioxide(CO2) from large point sources (i.e. Earth’s ozone) Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature and Bibliography I.
Review of Related Literature Amaral, Siqueira, Destefani, Holanda, Okonkwo, Odiong, Akpabio (2012) studied that eggshell ash obtained by incinerating Fowls’ eggshells to ash has been established to be a good accelerator for cement-bound materials and this would be useful for road construction work at the peak of rainy seasons for reducing setting time of stabilized road pavements. According to Buildeazy.com (2001) described cement as a fine, soft, powdery-type substance made from a mixture of elements that are found in natural materials such as limestone, clay, sand and/or shale. When cement is mixed with water, it can bind sand and gravel into a hard, solid mass called concrete. Four essential elements are needed to produce fine cement. They are calcium, silicon and iron. They are the main components of cement. Buildeazy.com continues saying that cement can be mixed differently ergo having concrete, plaster and mortar. This is because of prehomogenization. The components are mixed with different ratios and therefore resulting to different products. As a prediction, cement from eggshells and chalk dust may turn out to be part plaster and part concrete. Meanwhile, Fabricius performs studies on chalk. He defined chalk as “a sedimentary rock of unusually high homogeneity on the scale where physical properties are measured, but the properties fall in wide ranges. Chalk may thus be seen as the ideal starting point for a physical understanding of rocks in general. Properties as porosity, permeability, capillary entry pressure, and elastic moduli are consequences of primary sediment composition and of 6
subsequent diagenetic history as caused by microbial action, burial stress, temperature, and pore pressure.” It is also included in various unpatented studies that blackboard chalk is not real chalk the same as tailor’s chalk is not real chalk either. Yet, the researchers will use blackboard chalk for their study. Chalkboard chalk is composed of calcium sulphate (gypsum) instead of calcium carbonate. The eggshells are already composed of calcium carbonate as to why the researchers will use blackboard chalk. To explain the environment-friendly part, Darren Quick says in gizmag.com that carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is a hot area of research in the effort to fight global warming through the process of removing carbon from the atmosphere and ferreting it away within carbon soaking materials.a team from the University of Calcutta has found an unexpected material that could trap carbon from the atmosphere in the form of eggshells. The team has demonstrated that the membrane that lines an eggshell can absorb almost seven times its own weight of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, allowing the gas to be stored until environmentally friendly methods of disposing, or even using it, can be found. It is a known fact that eggshell comprises three layers; a cuticle on the outer surface, and a spongy calcium-containing middle layer and inner layer. The second and third layers are composed of protein fibers bonded to calcium carbonate. The membrane, which is about 100 micrometers thick, is just below the shell and a weak acid (water saturated with carbon dioxide) can be used to separate it from the shell for use as a carbon dioxide adsorbent. The proponents used drop test for a drop test is a method of testing the durability of a prototype or experimental subject (i.e. eggshell cement) by raising it to a certain altitude then dropping it.
II.
Bibliography Fabricius, Ida Lyke (2013), Chalks: Composition, Diagenesis and Physical Properties, Technical University of Denmark, Danish National Research Database Mindness, Sydney & Young, Frances (1981): Concrete, Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, NJ, pp. 671. Kostmatka, Steve &Panarese, William (1988): Design and Control of Concrete Mixes, Portland Cement Association, Skokie, Ill. pp. 205. Mamlouk, Michael &Zaniewski, John(1999): Materials for Civil and Construction Engineers, Addison Wesley Longman, Inc., Buildeazy Company (2001), Cement and its Production, United States of America 7
Dream Chaser – Dryden Drop Tests upcoming, 10 December 2012, SNC building test schedule Quick, Darren (2010): Eggshells Against Global Warming, 29 October 2010 Gizmag America
Chapter 3: Research Methodology I.
Materials The proponents made use of the following materials and ingredients: • EGGSHELL – the covering of the egg. • CHALK DUST – the dust that suspended after using the chalk • CHARCOAL – a hard black material that is commonly used in broiling food • WATER – clear liquid that is tasteless, colourless and odourless • BAKING SODA – a powdery substance used in baking • VINEGAR – a blurry liquid that is sour in taste that is used in preserving food
Procedures
The proponents collected ample amount of eggshells and chalk dust for the experiment and bought the sand. The proponents thoroughly clean the eggshells and sundried them afterwards. While letting them dry under the sun, they sifted the chalk dust to gain finer texture. The proponents pounded and grinded the eggshells with the sifted chalk dust until it were completely in powdered form. Afterwards, they grinded the coals to obtain them in powdered form. Then, the researchers collected the remnants of the sifted coals. They prepared the water and the dry ingredients for the mixing procedure. Next, the proponents proportioned the measurement of the materials. They mixed the dry raw materials together well and made a pit in the hole and pour the water (saturated with carbon dioxide) in. Afterwards, they mixed it until a paste-like substance was formed. They shaped the batter into their desired form. Lastly, the proponents baked it in an oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 200 minutes or until the figure hardened. They were careful of producing cracks in the figure.
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For the comparison, the researchers conducted a drop test to see to the durability of the product.
II.
Data Gathering Procedure The data are present below are gathered by means of a drop test. The samples were dropped in different heights and the results were recorded carefully. The researchers used a ruler to determine the height of the samples that being dropped. Data was recorded using a table to easily identify the results and pictures were also shot every after drop to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the data shown.
Sample 1: Eggshell (Batch 1)
Number of Sample
Height of the Drop
Number of Pieces
Number of Drops
6 inches
2 pieces
6 drops
11 inches
10 pieces
11 drops
4 inches
2 pieces
4 drops
8 inches
6 pieces
8 drops
Sample 1.1
Sample 1.2
Sample 1.3
Sample 1.4
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Sample 1.5 8 inches
4 pieces
8 drops
6 inches
2 pieces
6 drops
7 inches
6 pieces
7 drops
7 inches
3 pieces
7 drops
Sample 1.6
Sample 1.7
Sample 1.8
10
Sample 1.9 4 inches
4 pieces
4 drops
Sample 2: Concrete
Number of Samples
Height of the Drop
Number of Pieces
Number of Drops
4 inches
5 pieces
4 drops
9 inches
6 pieces
9 drops
16 inches
7 pieces
16 pieces
Sample 2.1
Sample 2.2
Sample 2.3
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Sample 3: Plaster
Number of Samples
Height of Drop
Number of Pieces
Number of Drops
76 inches
2 pieces
76 inches
84 inches
2 pieces
84 inches
Sample 3.1
Sample 3.2
Sample 4: Eggshell (Batch 2) Number of Samples
Height of Drop
Number of Pieces
Number of Drops
7 inches
8 pieces
7 drops
10 inches
9 pieces
10 drops
Sample 4.1
Sample 4.2
12
Sample 4.3 9 inches
6 pieces
9 inches
12 inches
6 pieces
12 drops
4 inches
5 pieces
4 drops
6 inches
3 pieces
6 drops
11 inches
6 pieces
Sample 4.4
Sample 4.5
Sample 4.6
Sample 4.7
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11 drops
Chapter 4: Presentation Analysis and Interpretation of Data I.
Presentation Analysis Based on the data shown above, Sample 1 is grayish, brittle, can easily be broken within 4 inches up to 11 inches, has a sandy texture and smells like egg shell grindings . Sample 2 is dark grey in colour, can easily be broken within 4 to 16 inches, has smooth texture, and is odourless. Sample 3 is white, can be broken within 84 inches below, has smooth texture and odourless. Sample 4 is dark gray in colour, brittle, can easily be broken within 4 inches to 12 inches, has a sandy texture and also smells like eggshell grindings.
II.
Interpretation of Data Both eggshell samples have brittle properties and weak durability. It tends to crumble at every drop being tempted instead of breaking in big pieces. The second batch of the eggshell (Sample 4) is more durable in terms of absorbing impact than the first batch (Sample 1). It also has a darker colour than the first batch. The cement is more compacted than both the eggshells. When it breaks, the pieces tend to be closer to the source of impact than the eggshells and the plaster. The plaster is by far the most durable sample among the three. It can resist bigger impact than the rest and when broken, it still maintains its smooth surface.
Chapter 5: Conclusion & Recommendation I.
II.
Conclusion The proponents of this research realized that using eggshells as a cement alternative is not recommended due to its low durability, even if it is very cheap. Proponents still suggest the use of plaster for daily uses. The group recommends the plaster most since it is more durable than the eggshell and chalk dust mixture. For a price of 25 pesos per 800 grams, the plaster seems to be the fair choice. The plaster still holds its name for being one of the best building materials for making models and coating ceilings and walls. Recommendation If some students ever want to improve or conduct a similar investigation in the near future, the proponents very much suggest that they invest largely in eggshells and chalk dust before starting on the experiment so that it will not mess with the timeline of their experiment. With a large amount of eggshell and chalk 14
dust, they will be capable of producing more samples of the different ratios of the eggshell and chalk dust cement. In doing the actual hands-on experiment, they should also expect a pungent smell in the likes of burning paint. The proponents recommend that they use strong plastic materials, accurate measuring tools gloves and goggles so that small particles and debris around the working area will not harm the future researchers. The proponents also recommend that the future people who wish to do the experiment find a catalyst for drying the eggshell and chalk dust cement without the use of an oven.
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Appendices (Belo) Cement Sample after drop test
(Below) Eggs Cement Sample after drop test
(Above and Below) Plaster Sample after test
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