In a bid to tackle two pressing issues—marine waste and the high cost of synthetic reinforcements—researchers have turned to an unlikely hero: the Meretrix lusoria shell, commonly known as the grooved razor shell. A recent study, led by Cynthia C. Nwaeju-Okechukwu from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Nigeria Maritime University and the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, explores the potential of these shells to reinforce epoxy composites, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution for industries like maritime, automotive, and aerospace.
Epoxy composites are widely used for their strength and durability, but they often rely on synthetic reinforcements that can be expensive and environmentally taxing. Meanwhile, the disposal of Meretrix lusoria shells poses a significant environmental challenge. This study aims to bridge these gaps by investigating the physical and hardness properties of epoxy composites reinforced with MLS particulates.
The researchers processed the shells into particle sizes ranging from 75 to 600 micrometers and evaluated various properties such as density, water absorption, oil absorption, thickness swelling, and hardness. The findings revealed that larger particles increased density, water absorption, oil absorption, and swelling, while hardness decreased. “Larger particles increased density up to 1.72 g/cm3, water absorption up to 1.43%, oil absorption up to 0.68%, and swelling up to 14.5%, while hardness decreased from 92 HRC (75 μm) to 74 HRC (600 μm),” Nwaeju-Okechukwu explained.
Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for optimization, the study identified an optimum particle size of approximately 378.916 micrometers. This size balance predicted properties of 1.647 g/cm3 density, 1.186% water absorption, 0.472% oil absorption, 11.879% swelling, and 80.765 HRC hardness. Validation tests confirmed the model’s accuracy with less than 5% error.
The commercial implications of this research are substantial. For the maritime sector, the development of sustainable and cost-effective epoxy composites could revolutionize shipbuilding and maintenance. The use of marine waste as a reinforcement material not only reduces environmental impact but also offers a viable alternative to traditional synthetic materials. “These results highlight the trade-off between strength and absorption, and demonstrate MLS waste as an effective, sustainable reinforcement for high-performance epoxy composites,” Nwaeju-Okechukwu noted.
Moreover, the optimization of these composites could lead to improved performance and longevity of marine structures, reducing maintenance costs and enhancing safety. The automotive and aerospace industries could also benefit from these advancements, as the demand for lightweight, durable, and sustainable materials continues to grow.
Published in the journal ‘Results in Chemistry’, this study underscores the potential of marine waste to drive innovation in material science. As industries increasingly prioritize sustainability, the findings offer a promising pathway to balancing performance, cost, and environmental responsibility. For maritime professionals, this research opens doors to new possibilities in material selection and application, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future.