Work

Particle size–controlled sintering of stoneware ceramics via uncalcined green mussel shell waste for reduced-temperature stoneware production

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT The demand for sustainable ceramic processing has stimulated interest in waste-derived fluxing materials that can reduce firing requirements. This study investigates the direct incorporation of uncalcined green mussel shell powder into stoneware bodies, thereby eliminating an additional precalcination step. Three shell particle-size fractions were incorporated at 10–20 wt% and fired at 800–1250 °C. Rietveld refinement showed that all fractions were aragonite-rich, indicating that differences in thermal behavior were primarily associated with particle size rather than CaCO 3 polymorph composition. Medium-sized shell particles at 10 wt% (MGS10) exhibited the most favorable processing behavior, with concentrated carbonate decomposition occurring over approximately 650–800 °C, allowing CO 2 to evacuate before advanced matrix vitrification. Shell-derived Ca 2+ subsequently acted as a network modifier within the aluminosilicate glass, promoting liquid-phase sintering and densification at 1150 °C, while further reaction at 1250 °C resulted in anorthite crystallization. MGS10 achieved a bulk density of approximately 2.38 g cm -3 and a water absorption value of approximately 0.8% at 1250 °C, comparable to that of the unmodified stoneware body, while maintaining structural integrity at 1150 °C. These results demonstrate that particle-size control is critical for integrating uncalcined biogenic CaCO 3 into stoneware and provides a practical route for shell-waste valorization and reduced-temperature ceramic processing.

Source: Ceramics International

DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2026.09.174

Authors: Pimthong Thongnopkun, Bunyarid Sri-urai, Wathun Boonsorn, Chutiparn Lertvachirapaiboon, Worachai Roubroumlert

Institutions: Burapha University, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, National Science and Technology Development Agency, National Nanotechnology Center

Language: English

Topic: Recycling and utilization of industrial and municipal waste in materials production

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,830