International Journal of Civil and Structural Engineering Research ISSN 2348-7607 (Online) Vol. 8, Issue 1, pp: (25-29), Month: April 2020 - September 2020, Available at: www.researchpublish.com
A Comparative Analysis between Crushed and Pulverized Green Mussel Shells as a Fire-Retardant Coating to Plywood Jhubelle Vernadette C. Magnayi1, Nicole Alexis V. Pili2, Justine Daphne U. Rebollos3, Joshel I. Villon4, and Engr. Carmelo Zapanta Jr.5 College of Engineering, Computer Studies and Architecture Lyceum of the Philippines University – Cavite, Philippines
Abstract: The Asia green mussel (Perna Viridis) is a widely consumed sea animal that belongs to the family of mollusks and are commonly found in the Asia-Pacific region. Mussel shells are proven to contain high amounts of Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3), which is a chemical compound that is dubbed as an ideal fire-retardant substance. This research aimed to compare and determine the effects of using crushed and pulverized mussel shells as a fireretardant coating to plywood. In this study, fire-retardancy of mussel shell coated plywood was evaluated. The shells were acquired in Kawit, Cavite, which were then cleaned, dried, and crushed into sizes passing through ASTM sieve no. 3 ½ (5 mm) but retained in sieve no. 4 (4.75mm) and pulverized into powder using a high-powered blender. The proponents prepared 7” x 7” x 3/4” plywood specimens and subdivided into 4 categories upon fire testing: no coat, wood glue coating, powdered shell coating and crushed shell coating. The specimens were then subjected Bunsen burner test. Temperatures were taken by using a digital multimeter and result were noted for further analysis. Upon analysis of gathered data, results showed that mussel shell coated plywood did not ignite in the standard 90 minute fire exposure test, proving that the application of crushed and pulverized mussel shell on the surface of plywood is an effective way to delay the propagation of fire throughout the material. Keywords: Calcium Carbonate, Fire-retardant, Green Mussel Shells, Plywood Coating.
I. INTRODUCTION In the field of natural occurrence and man-made disasters, fire played a large role. Fire disaster is an unfortunate incident that often happens every year, thousands of lives and billions worth of property are lost because of seemingly inescapable fires where people lost their assets, properties, homes and even their lives. Fatalities and casualties of fire usually happens to those who are trapped in the fire with the most vulnerable victims like children, elderly and persons with disability. Since the Philippines is a tropical country, there is a high risk of fire disaster to occur any moment, and people have to deal with the damages and the aftermath of the disaster. This can be prevented if there are construction materials that can retard fire to prolong its damage until the corresponding fire extinguishing unit arrives and at the same time, a fireretardant material that is economical for the people. In this regard, the researchers came up with the idea of using mussel shells as a fire-retardant coating agent to lightweight building materials like plywood. The Asia green mussel (Perna Viridis), also known as the Philippine green mussel (tahong), is a sea animal that belongs to the family of shells (Figure 1.1). It can be widely found in the Asia-Pacific Region. The mussel has a big part on the fishing trade industry of the Philippines as it is harvested as a food delicacy, although it is known that mussel shells harbor toxins and can be hazardous to humans that is caused by red tide. Otherwise, it also contains a high amount of CACO3 - calcium carbonate that is an ideal fire-retardant substance.
Page | 25 Research Publish Journals