Characterization and potential usage of selected eggshell species.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomass Characterization
• Waste Valorization

Background:

• Growing environmental pollution necessitates waste reuse strategies.
• Eggshells, a common natural biomass, possess underutilized potential.
• Ethical considerations drive the need for responsible resource management for future generations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize diverse eggshell species for their unique structures and application capacities.
• To establish criteria for selecting appropriate eggshell types for industrial biomass applications.
• To guide the utilization of eggshells in suitable industries and applications.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of five eggshell species (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica, Anser Anser, Denizli Hen, Alectoris Chukar, Struthio Camelus) using XRD, FTIR, AFM, Stereo Microscope, SEM, XRF, and TGA.
• Analysis of calcined eggshell samples using XRD, FTIR, and XRF.
• Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to determine optimal calcination temperatures (800-900°C).

Main Results:

• X-ray Diffraction (XRD) confirmed a characteristic CaCO3 peak at 2Ɵ=29.58°, which transforms to CaO upon calcination.
• Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) identified a key C-O stretching band at 1424 cm⁻¹ as a defining feature of the eggshells.
• Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Stereo Microscopy revealed that smaller eggshells have rougher surfaces and thinner shells, while larger eggshells exhibit smoother surfaces and increased thickness.

Conclusions:

• Eggshell species possess distinct structural properties influencing their potential as industrial biomass.
• Characterization data provides benchmarks for selecting and directing eggshell types to appropriate applications.
• This research supports the sustainable reuse of eggshells, contributing to waste reduction and resource management.