The investigation of reinforcement properties of nano-CaCO₃ synthesized from Achatina fulica snail shell through mechanochemical methods on epoxy nanocomposites

Abstract

The current study investigates the reinforcement properties of novel nano-calcium carbonate (nano-CaCO 3 ) synthesized from Achatina fulica snail shell. The shell was wet-milled to nanoparticle sizes using mechanochemical procedures. Epoxy nanocomposites prepared with nanofiller content ranges of 1-7 wt.% were fabricated using a conventional resin casting method. Thermal stability and degradation with mechanical properties such as tensile strength, impact strength, and the hardness properties of prepared nanocomposites were determined. It was observed that the reinforcement by the synthesized nano-CaCO 3 improved the thermal stability and mechanical properties of neat epoxy irrespective of the filler content. Significantly, the inclusion of 1 w.% Achatina fulica snail shell nanoparticles increased the neat epoxy tensile strength by 75%, stiffness by over 25%, impact strength by 25%, and hardness 35%. These improved properties indicate that nano-CaCO 3 synthesized from A. fulica snail shell possesses suitable reinforcement properties that can be used for nanocomposite fabrication.

Comparative Reinforcement Effect of Achatina fulica Snail Shell Nanoparticles, Montmorillonite, and Kaolinite Nanoclay on the Mechanical and Physical Properties of Greenpoxy Biocomposite

“…This output may be attributed to the reinforcement effect of the nanoparticle incorporated. It also confirmed the positive reinforcement effects of the snail shell nano-CaCO 3 , montmorillonite, and kaolinite as reported in the available literature [ 26 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 ].…”

“…It was observed that the addition of 1 wt.% snail shell nanoparticles ( SS1 ) enhanced the strength of greenpoxy by 62%, which was higher than the 8 % and 13 % tensile strength improvement observed after loading the same percentage of montmorillonite and kaolinite, respectively. This output proves the effectiveness of snail shell nanoparticles on the strength of greenpoxy at low loadings [ 13 , 37 ]. The homogeneous dispersion of nanoparticles in the matrix, forming an interlocking structure, may also account for the improved tensile strength observed at a low loading of the snail shell nanoparticles [ 14 ].…”

“…Nanoparticles from snail shell montmorillonite and kaolinite (1–3 wt.%) were added separately into the greenpoxy and mixed using a mechanical stirrer at 500 rpm for one hour to ensure homogeneous dispersion. The loading of nanoparticles was kept low because it has been proven that nanoparticles are significantly effective at low loading [ 13 , 37 ]. Subsequently, the greenpoxy and nanoparticle blend was removed from the stirrer and cooled down to ambient temperature.…”

Cellulose nanocrystals and snail shell‐reinforced polyvinyl alcohol bioplastic films: Additive concentration optimization and mechanical properties assessment

“…25 This significant improvement in mechanical properties may be attributed to the reinforcing effect of nanoparticles incorporated at low concentrations. 26,27 A sharp drop in tensile strength at the loading of CNC above 2.5 wt.% may be attributed to aggregation of the nanoparticles and the loading effect of the other components, producing a weaker structure and resulting in reduced tensile strength and Young's modulus.…”

“…The use of SSN has been reported in previous studies to have a strong reinforcement influence on mechanical properties. 27,28 Uniform dispersion of the nanoparticles in the matrix of the films (Figure 3) provided for a more robust structure with high resistance to pulling stress, resulting in increased mechanical properties.…”