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 fire-retardant 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.
Title: A Comparative Analysis between Crushed and Pulverized Green Mussel Shells as a Fire-Retardant Coating to Plywood
Author: Jhubelle Vernadette C. Magnayi, Nicole Alexis V. Pili, Justine Daphne U. Rebollos, Joshel I. Villon, Engr. Carmelo Zapanta Jr.
International Journal of Civil and Structural Engineering Research
ISSN 2348-7607 (Online)
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