Characterization of the Properties of Bio-CaCO₃ Waste Eggshell and Abaca Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Composites

Abstract

This study aims to fabricate and characterize the hybrid composites of duck eggshell (DE) and abaca fiber reinforced epoxy. The composites were fabricated with 20 vol.% fillers consisting of DE/abaca fiber with ratios of 0/20, 5/15, 10/10, and 20/0. We then characterized their mechanical (tensile and flexural) and water absorption properties. At the same time, the characteristics of eggshell particles were examined by SEM/EDS and XRD. We observed that the DE contains higher CaCO3 than chicken eggshells, making it appropriate to be chosen as a filler. The alkali-treated (AT) abaca improves the flexural and tensile strengths of abaca/epoxy composite but slightly decreases those of DE/AT abaca/epoxy composites. The composite with a 5/15 DE/AT abaca fiber ratio shows the maximum flexural strength. However, the flexural strength of the composites made of the epoxy matrix is almost the same as that of polyester and is 21% lower than that of PMMA. The use of polyester and PMMA matrixes significantly reduces the water absorption rate to around 3.50%.