The Effect Of Eggshell Powder As Filler On The Mechanical And Thermal Properties Of Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composites

Abstract

Composite materials have become essential in modern engineering because they combine properties of different materials into one structure. In this work, basalt fiber and polyester resin form the main reinforcement–matrix system, while eggshell powder, a natural waste product, is added as a filler in amounts ranging from 2% to 10% by weight of resin.

The objective is to explore how eggshell filler influences both the mechanical (tensile and compressive strength) and the thermal performance (heat conduction and insulation) of basalt–polyester composites. The composites were fabricated using the hand lay-up method, followed by experimental testing and analytical predictions using classical models.

Results indicate that small additions of eggshell improve stiffness and compressive strength, while higher amounts increase brittleness but enhance thermal insulation. This study shows that eggshell waste can be transformed into a low-cost, eco-friendly filler for sustainable composite development.