Walking on Eggshells
Problem
and
Opportunity
Issue:
Pollution:
Eggshells present a significant environmental challenge, ranking 15th among major pollution issues in the food industry.
This waste, consisting mainly of calcium carbonate, is produced annually at a staggering rate of about 250,000 tons.
Utilization Cost:
The annual cost of utilizing this eggshell waste is estimated at 14 million euros, reflecting the economic impact of managing and repurposing this substantial byproduct. Effectively addressing the environmental and economic aspects of eggshell waste management is crucial for sustainable practices in the food industry.
Eggshell composition
Eggshells have a unique composition, with 95% inorganic material, mainly calcium carbonate, enveloped by an organic matrix of proteins (3.4%).
Opportunities
Filler in foams - Rigid polyurethane foam
Rigid polyurethane foam is used to keep homes at a consistent temperature while minimizing noise. These versatile insulation materials work well for tasks like insulating roofs, walls, windows and doors.
The growing necessity to substitute petrochemical substrates with renewable alternatives, coupled with efforts to reduce production costs, is driving the development of composite materials incorporating polymers and natural fillers.
Using eggshell waste in rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) enhances mechanical and thermal properties.
This eco-friendly filler improves fire protection, water resistance, and adhesion strength. Organic fillers in RPUF impact thermal conductivity and density, aligning with the shift toward renewable resources in composite materials. Eggshells as RPUF fillers create effective insulation for various applications. This reflects a broader trend of balancing material properties and environmental sustainability in polymer-based composites.
Cement
Using eggshell powder in cement is a promising solution to environmental and health concerns linked to eggshell disposal.
Researches indicate that incorporating eggshell powder, up to a 25% replacement for cement, enhances the performance of construction materials.
Catalyst in Biodiesel Production
Catalysts are essential for making biodiesel, and both homogeneous (like potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide) and heterogeneous catalysts (such as calcium oxide from waste eggshells) are used.
Using waste materials as catalysts can boost biodiesel production.
Homogeneous catalysts are common in the transesterification process, while heterogeneous catalysts, like calcium oxide from chicken eggshells, produce higher-quality biodiesel. The utilization of CaO catalyst from chicken eggshells has proven effective for successful transesterification.
It is possible to transform eggshells into:
Food Industry: Calcium Lactate
Calcium Lactate a curing, flavoring, leavening, and antimicrobial additive which finds extensive application in the food industry.
Medical Applications: Calcium Phosphate
Calcium Phosphate is used in fabrication of artificial bone constructs, like bones and teeth.
Eggshells in waste water treatment
One commonly used material for wastewater treatment is activated carbon, but its cost is high due to production and recovery losses. To address this, researchers are exploring low-cost alternatives. Eggshells show promise as an effective and economical adsorbent. Eggshells contain a significant amount of calcium carbonate, making them ideal for adsorbing metallic ions in soil and water. Their porous nature also makes them suitable for removing various pollutants, including dyes, from aqueous solutions. Recognizing the economic potential of eggshells, researchers emphasize their value as a sustainable solution in wastewater treatment.
This article is dynamic and continually updated:
We will tell about More Applications
Eggshells can do a lot more than we've mentioned so far. This article is always changing – we regularly add new info about different ways to use eggshells. Check back for updates and learn even more about what eggshells can do!
November 2023 Theme: Industrial waste and its Potential