Effect of Eggshell Powder on the Hydration of Cement Paste

Eggshells are one of the solid wastes in the world and are considered hazardous according to European Commission regulations. The utilization of solid wastes, like eggshells, will help create a sustainable environment by minimizing the solid wastes that are disposed into the environment. The utilization of eggshell powder in cement also helps to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions from cement factories by reducing clinker production. In this study, the effect of eggshell powder on the hydration of cement products was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Pastes were made with 10% and 20% eggshell powder and examined for 1, 14, and 28 days of hydration. The addition of eggshell powder transformed ettringite to monosulfoaluminate and to monocarboaluminate. In 20% eggshell powder, the formation of monocarboaluminate was detected in the early stages and accelerated the hydration reaction. The CaCO₃ from the eggshells reacted with the C₃A and changed the hydration products of the pastes. The addition of eggshell powder provided nucleation sites in the hydration products and accelerated cement hydration.